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The off-highway tyre segment in India is evolving, driven by the growth of the construction, mining, and agriculture industries. The increasing demand for larger and more specialised vehicles in these industries has created a demand for OTR tyres with specific features and performance characteristics. There have been various technological advancements and innovations integrating the OTR tyre segment. The OTR tyre companies are focused on researching and developing newer and better technology tyres to keep up with the technologically advancing OTR machinery sector.

The Indian government's focus on infrastructure development and the growth of the rural economy has also contributed to the growth of the OTR tyre market in India. The government of India has been undertaking various infrastructural projects like building airports, highways, national highways, ports and docks. India has committed to becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025 and infrastructural development will play one of the biggest roles to fulfil this mission.

According to India Brand Equity Foundation, the overall infrastructure CAPEX in India is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.4 per cent over FY21-26 driven by spending on water supply, transport and urban infrastructure.

With infrastructural development, the Government of India has also had a strong focus on sustainable development and practices. In the past few years, the EV industry has been evolving with increased investment in the sector and Indias mission to reduce carbon emissions.

Sustainability has been playing a major role in shaping the future of the world and with various industries recognising the importance of building sustainable practices, it has been one of the major focuses across industries. The construction machinery manufacturers are also moving towards building sustainable practices and introducing processes that would help move the segment towards a more sustainable future. Various companies are designing new business models to make e-mobility technology viable and available within India at affordable rates.

The increased focus of the government on sustainable construction practices and energy efficiency is one of the reasons why the construction sector in India is seeing a rise in e-mobility technology.

Factors contributing to the growth of e-mobility

The adoption of EV technology within the construction industry has other factors as well. One of the key benefits of electric machinery is its lower emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered equipment. This will be highly beneficial in reducing the carbon footprint of construction sites.

Electric machinery often requires less maintenance and has a longer lifespan compared to its diesel counterparts, making them a more cost-effective solution in the long run. In addition to developing EV excavators and loaders, there has also been a rise in the use of electric cranes, bulldozers and material-handling equipment. These machines offer a high level of mobility and efficiency. E-mobility-focused companies in India are also focused on developing better battery technology.

Need for customised tyres

Tyres are an important factor in any vehicle, enabling a vehicle to move forward with proper efficiency. Electric vehicles have specific requirements for their tyres mainly due to the differences in weight distribution, braking behaviour, and acceleration compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.

Customised tyres for EVs are designed to handle the unique demands of these vehicles, providing improved performance, longer lifespan, and better fuel efficiency. These tyres are optimised for low rolling resistance. Additionally, they may also have specialised tread patterns and materials to enhance grip and handling, especially during high-speed and hard braking conditions, ensuring the safety and stability of the vehicle.

Within the construction industry, the roads are not always smooth and the machinery needs to be able to carry heavy loads. Customised EV tyres can also have unique tread patterns that can not only sustain rough terrains and weather conditions but can also handle heavy loads. This might help receive the most efficient output of the e-mobile machinery and increase the tyre life.

E-mobility solutions within the construction industry are inevitably on the rise and have specific tyre requirements. It is essential for the machinery and tyre manufacturers to step into this landscape and design e-mobile machinery and EV-friendly tyres to ensure the best output of these machinery and to help the construction industry build a sustainable process design.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The article is authored by Ashok P Chhajer, Sr. General Manager “ OE Sales, (Domestic Market), Balkrishna Industries.