Tires with Low Rolling Resistance for Electric Cars

Press Release

Tires with low rolling resistance for electric cars

• Special tires from Continental with up to 30 percent less rolling resistance mean a substantial increase in range for electric cars
• Conti.eContact available in versions for electric cars and hybrids
• More approvals from automakers expected

Hanover, January 30, 2015. Continental has two tires in its portfolio that are specially designed for electric vehicles and hybrids. Both are manufactured under the name Conti.eContact but each is geared to a specific drivetrain – electric or hybrid. The 20-inch Conti.eContact for electric vehicles delivers rolling resistance that is an impressive 30 percent or so lower than that of a conventional tire. The 17- or 18-inch Conti.eContact for hybrids mayoffer “only” 20 percent less rolling resistance, but this tire can also be fitted to powerful cars and SUVs. At the same time, both of these special low-rolling-resistance tires also deliver impressive performance on both wet and dry roads. As a result, Continental can supply manufacturers of electric vehicles with tires that can theoretically extend the range of their models by up to six percent – an argument thatcan help persuade drivers of the benefits of electric mobility. And thanks to its reduced rolling resistance, the Conti.eContact for hybrids enables these cars to cover longer stretches in electric mode, which not only benefits the environment but alsocuts operating costs. Tires from the Conti.eContact series have already won approvals from VW and Renault, and Continental is expecting further approvals from leading German and European automakers in the course of this year.

In the Conti.eContact for electric cars, the Hanover-based tire manufacturer has opted for what is known as the “tall and narrow” concept. At 20 inches, tires designed to this principle have a very large diameter for a car tire and are relatively narrow. These special dimensions alone enabled the tire developers to achieve a marked reduction in rolling resistance. In pursuit of further savings, however, they also examined every component of this tire separately for its potential contribution to optimum rolling resistance.

With its 17 and 18-inch dimensions, the Conti.eContact for hybrids has more in common with conventional tires. As it is also fitted to powerful SUVs, at first glance this tire may look similar to conventional SUV or car tires. In fact, though, for this tire too, by scrutinizing every component the development engineers have succeeded in cutting rolling resistance by around 20 percent. The Conti.eContact for hybrids is the first Continental tire to win ‘A’ ratings on the EU Tire Label for both rolling resistance and braking in the wet. Continental manufactures both of these tires in limited series at its French plant in Sarreguemines.

Continental AG
Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated preliminary sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech. Continental employs approximately 190,000 people in 49 countries.

Tire Division
The Tire Division currently has 24 production and development locations worldwide. The broad product range and continuous investments in R&D make a major contribution to cost-effective and ecologically efficient mobility. As one of the world's leading tire manufacturers with more than 44,000 employees, the Tire Division achieved sales of €9.6 billion in 2013.

Passenger and Light Truck Tires
Continental is one of the leading manufacturers of passenger and light truck tires in Europe and the world's fourth largest passenger tire manufacturer in the original equipment and replacement market. The product development focus of the Continental premium brand is to optimize all safety-relevant characteristics, while simultaneously minimizing rolling resistance.

Sponsorship
Continental's Tire division is an official sponsor of the German DFB Cup, Major League Soccer in the US and Canada, the 2015 Asia Cup in Australia and UEFA EURO 2016TM in France.

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