Silent, stronger and safer EVs

Discover how Aditya Birla Group companies are contributing to the EV revolution

Have you ever noticed that when you’re behind the wheel of your car, you can hardly feel the bumps on the road, or hear the cacophony coming from your engine? Well, you can thank the ingenious anti-vibration systems installed in your car for that! Although most vehicle owners may not be aware of them, anti-vibration systems play an indispensable role in enhancing vehicular safety and passenger comfort

Let's explore the many ways in which Aditya Birla Group not only contributes to the functioning of these critical anti-vibration systems that work discreetly behind the scenes, but also to making your cars safer and your drives more enjoyable.

A smoother drive

Anti-vibration systems are the unsung heroes of every vehicle, responsible for reducing overall noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) – a critical parameter that directly impacts the driving experience. These systems rely on elastomers as their primary damping and isolation elements to control vibrations. Elastomers are particularly effective as they are adept at absorbing and dissipating energy, thereby reducing the transmission of both vibrations and noise.

Birla Carbon offers an extensive portfolio of carbon black solutions designed to reinforce the elastomers used in anti-vibration systems. With unique morphologies and engineered particle size distributions, Birla Carbon’s range of carbon blacks plays an important role in reducing the overall NVH of your car.

With electric vehicles taking over the automotive industry, anti-vibration systems have had to adapt and evolve. After all, there are distinct differences in how elastomeric components perform in electric vehicles compared to their internal combustion counterparts. For one, the primary sources of vibration in electric vehicles are the electric motor and drivetrain vibrations, which differ significantly in frequency and amplitude from those generated by internal combustion engines.

Secondly, electric vehicles tend to be much lighter, necessitating the use of lightweight elastomeric materials. To meet the specific requirements of EV manufacturers, suppliers of elastomeric components have developed customised solutions for effective vibration isolation and control in EVs.

Making car batteries safer

As part of its strategic expansion into the EV market, Birla Carbon has recently acquired Nanocyl SA, a global leader in multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) – crucial components of lithium-ion batteries. When integrated into the battery’s electrode materials, MWCNTs improve the electrical conductivity of the electrode, allowing lithium ions to move more efficiently. MWCNTs also extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by preventing the build-up of excess heat. This significantly enhances the overall safety profile of electric vehicles.

Adding stability to car tyres

Did you know that Aditya Birla Group also plays a critical role in strengthening the tyres of your car? Century Enka is India’s largest producer of nylon tyre cord fabric (NTCF), a crucial component used to reinforce and enhance the durability of tyres. NTCF helps maintain the tyre’s shape and stability, preventing it from collapsing under the weight of the vehicle or during sudden impacts, such as driving over potholes. Having commenced NTCF production in 1987, today Century Enka serves some of the largest tyre brands in India, including Apollo Tyres, MRF, CEAT Tyres, and Goodyear.

Century Enka, India's largest producer of nylon tyre cord fabric (NTCF)

Century Enka, India's largest producer of nylon tyre cord fabric (NTCF)

Engineering high-performance electric vehicles

When it comes to the body of electric vehicles, no one beats the Group’s metals flagship, Hindalco. Together with Novelis, its wholly owned subsidiary, it is leading the way in sustainable next-generation automotive solutions. Aluminium has emerged as the top material of choice for EV manufacturers due to its lightweight properties, exceptional strength, and infinite recyclability, all of which contribute to superior performance and cost-effectiveness with minimal environmental impact. Novelis collaborates with leading EV manufacturers to create customised aluminium alloys that meet their unique specifications.

The future of transportation is getting electrified and Aditya Birla Group companies take pride in being at the forefront of this revolution.