The Future of Mobility and Its Impact On the Tyre Industry

The rise of EVs

As the automotive landscape undergoes a monumental shift, the future of mobility is being redefined by the rapid advancement and integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs). The shift is poised to revolutionise not just how we travel but also how we think about transportation infrastructure and environmental impact. The tyre industry, a crucial component of the automotive ecosystem, is at the forefront of adapting to these changes. Let us explore the implications of these trends on the tyre industry below.

In recent years, governments worldwide have been looking to adopt Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The mandate is a complex set of policies that entails various requirements for car manufacturers to reduce the number of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars on the road, including requiring the sale of a certain percentage of ZEVs each year.

As car manufacturers welcome the ZEV mandates and shift their priorities, it has a significant impact on the tyre industry and presents unique challenges and opportunities. EVs' characteristics—such as higher torque, heavier weight due to batteries, and quieter operation—demand a new generation of tyres. These tyres need to offer lower rolling resistance to extend battery range, enhanced durability to support the vehicle’s weight, and reduced noise levels to complement EVs' quiet nature. Beyond that, there are also considerations for optimised tread patterns and thermal management.

AVs and the Road Ahead

Autonomous vehicles, once a vision of the distant future, are rapidly becoming a reality. With advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and connectivity, AVs promise to revolutionise the way we travel. These vehicles are expected to offer increased safety, reduced traffic congestion, and greater accessibility, potentially transforming urban mobility.

Interestingly, the majority of AVs currently in development or in the market are electric. This convergence of AV and EV technology is driven by several factors. First, the electrification of AVs simplifies the integration of advanced sensor and computing systems, as electric powertrains provide a more suitable platform for these high-tech components. Second, the environmental benefits of combining AVs with EVs align with global sustainability goals, making them more attractive to regulators and consumers alike.

However, the tyre industry must consider the impact of AVs on tyre wear and maintenance. As AVs are designed to optimise efficiency and minimise manoeuvres, the wear patterns on tyres differ significantly from those of traditional vehicles. This necessitates a deeper understanding of how AVs interact with tyres and how we can innovate to extend tyre life and performance in this new context.

Embracing the Future

Thus, the shift to EVs presents itself as a driving force for the tyre industry to move towards the next level of innovation and design. At Apollo Tyres, we have embraced this challenge by investing in research and development to create tyres that meet these specific needs.

In addition to innovations within the tyres themselves, we have several other initiatives to help people ease into the new shift to EVs. For example, we have previously commissioned a survey in 2022 to help the industry assess consumers’ understanding of EV tyres. We found that, as of 2022, 82% of motorists in the UK are unaware that it is possible to purchase tyres that are specifically developed for EVs. Once made aware of the availability of EV-specific tyres, the motorists surveyed believe that such tyres should be fitted as a standard for all EVs.

More recently, in April of this year, we collaborated with NATRAX (India) to establish a specialised test track focusing on validating the cut and chip resistance of EV tyres. The partnership highlights our efforts for advanced tyre testing and development in the EV space, aspiring to enhance the performance and safety of EVs.

We have also collaborated with leading international suppliers to create custom-designed testing machines with advanced features, such as the Flat-Trac machine. This machine is customised to address tyre characterisation and simulation needs for future vehicles, including EVs and autonomous vehicles.

Therefore, to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the EV market, I recommend that manufacturers increasingly foster cross-learning and co-development by establishing partnerships with suppliers, academia, and research institutions on various short and long-term projects. A multi-faceted approach will equip our industry to address the complexities introduced by EVs and evolving regulations, ensuring we are well-prepared to meet the demands of this rapidly growing market.