- Test World has launched a new ASTM Traction Truck, an all-electric test vehicle that is the first of its kind in the world
- The Test World ASTM Traction Truck will enable customers to test their winter tyres to the ASTM 1805 test standard
- Test World is the only facility in the world that can offer this type of testing all year round
- Test World is part of the newly formed UTAC CERAM Millbrook group
Test World has lifted the covers on a new ASTM Traction Truck, an all-electric test vehicle designed to conduct ASTM 1805 tyre testing for customers from all over the world.
The Test World ASTM Traction truck is designed for testing tyres according to the ASTM 1805 test standard for single wheel driving traction in a straight line on snow-covered surfaces. The standard helps drivers to identify tyres that provide a higher level of snow traction. Tyres meeting the standard are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
The test method employs an instrumented, rear-wheel drive test vehicle – the Test World Traction Truck – to measure average longitudinal and vertical forces acting on the test tyre under acceleration.
Not only is Test World the first European provider to offer ASTM 1805 testing, but its Traction Truck is also the world’s first all-electric iteration of such a test vehicle. The electric powertrain set-up is ideally suited to manufacturers looking to test their tyres in a more environmentally friendly way, and in-line with shifting market trends. The electric drive truck also provides more test options over the traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, as it is easier to fine-tune the test parameters for different tyre sizes.
Jukka Antila, Technical Director at Test World, said: “We are delighted to introduce the Test World ASTM Traction Truck to our facility. Customers no longer need to send their tyres to the USA if they wish to test to the ASTM 1805 standard, and, thanks to Test World’s indoor facilities, it is the only venue globally that can provide year-round testing”.
Test World’s parent company, Millbrook, is merging with French company, UTAC CERAM. The merger benefits Test World’s customers as the group now boasts an even more comprehensive tyre testing capability. Test World’s year-round snow and ice testing will be complemented by the UTAC CERAM Millbrook laboratory tests and soon-to-be opened proving ground in Morocco.