India’s Apollo Tyres is partnering with Natrax, a provider of testing and validation services, to set up what the partners say is “the first of its kind test track” in India, specifically designed to validate tyres for electric vehicles (EVs) and low-rolling-resistance tyres. This collaboration aims to provide a dedicated testing facility for EV manufacturers, enabling them to test and validate cut and chip resistance of tyres.
The primary purpose of a cut and chip test track is to assess how well tyres withstand harsh conditions encountered during real-world use. Sharp objects (such as rocks, gravel, and glass) can cause damage to tyre treads, affecting safety and longevity.
Evaluating cut and chip resistance of tyres is crucial for EVs due to their unique characteristics, such as regenerative braking and high-speed acceleration. The facility will also evaluate cut and chip resistance of fuel-efficient tyres.
Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, attributed the track facilities at Natrax to the Govt of India’s commitment to growth of the automotive industry. The addition of the new track is a significant step forward where the country aims to promote self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on imports, thereby fostering a more self-reliant India, according to the minister.
Dr Manish Jaiswal, Director of Natrax, highlighted the significance of test tracks, stating that this track is available for passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tyre manufacturers.
Natrax is an automotive testing and certification centre under NATRiP, a flagship project of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, planned under the Automotive Mission Plan launched by the government.