Apollo establishes 'cut & chip' test track for EV tires

Gurugram, India – Apollo Tyres, in partnership with Indian automotive test track specialist Natrax, has established a test track designed to validate tires for electric vehicles (EVs).

The collaboration aims to provide a “dedicated testing facility” for EV manufacturers, enabling them to validate properties including cut & chip resistance of tires, said Apollo in a 29 April statement.

According to the Indian tire maker, cut & chip resistance “is crucial" for EV tires, due to the unique driving characteristics, such as regenerative braking and high-speed acceleration.

The track will also evaluate cut & chip resistance of fuel-efficient tires, and will be available for passenger and commercial vehicle OEMs, as well as for tire makers.

The facility will enable Apollo to fast-track its development of tires for OEMs, in particular those for EVs and low rolling-resistance tires, said Satish Sharma of Apollo Tyres.

In particular, it will support the development of tires for Indian roads, taking account of surface conditions and climate, added the head of Apollo's Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa business.

The track will “validate tires in a consistent manner, replicating real-world driving conditions,” added Daniele Lorenzetti, chief technology officer, Apollo Tyres.