Electric vehicles and low emission hybrid cars are driving the transformation of mobility as we know it. At Continental, our tyre innovations make us part of this transformation. And while we haven’t quite had to reinvent the wheel, there are several aspects of our tyres that we’ve optimized to make sure that every tyre in our current product portfolio is compatible for electric and hybrid vehicles.
But what exactly are the requirements? Why do electric vehicles need special treatment from tyres?
Among the many benefits of e-mobility, one of the consequences of an electric vehicle is a significant increase in weight. Batteries are heavy, and their weight places additional strain on the tyres.
Driving an electric vehicle means no noise from the engine. Sounds bliss, doesn’t it? But there’s a catch. In the absence of a whirring combustion engine, the so-called rolling noise from the tyres becomes a lot more noticeable, and – for many e-vehicle drivers – rather annoying.
Electric vehicles boast instant torque, meaning they accelerate the second you put the pedal to the metal. And while instant acceleration is both practical and comfortable, the high instant torque of electric vehicles can also increase wear and tear of the tyres.
The good news is that there are tyres specifically designed to mitigate these consequences.
By purchasing an e-car or hybrid, you’ve already bought into the future of mobility. Now it’s time to ensure your tyres are up to the same cutting-edge standard as your vehicle, and with Continental, you’re in safe hands. Every tyre in our current product portfolio meets the requirements of today’s electric and hybrid vehicles.
From the extra weight of the electric vehicle batteries to the more noticeable sound of the tyres, Continental has the answers. So how do we do it? How do we ensure that our tyres are fit for the requirements of e-vehicles and make you ready for e-mobility?
For tyres to meet the needs of electric vehicles, they need to be strong enough to carry the extra weight of the battery. On every tyre in Continental’s current passenger tyre product range, you’ll find what’s called a High Load Index (HL) – this lets you know that these tyres can handle the weight.
Aside from reducing your carbon footprint, driving an electric vehicle is about comfort – not least when it comes to noise. With an e-vehicle, you’ve already eliminated the noise of a combustion engine, so your tyres need to keep it down as well.
Continental’s low noise tyres contribute to a smooth and silent driving experience by reducing the amount of tyre noise transferred to the passenger cabin.
This is possible thanks to our tyre technology ContiSilent, a tyre noise-reducing technology which is designed to reduce interior noise on all road surfaces and leads to a greater comfort. ContiSilent helps reduce interior vehicle noise up to 9 dB(A), depending on the type of vehicle, its speed and the road surface.
As mentioned, the instant torque of an e-vehicle can take its toll on the tyres in the long run. That’s why all Continental tyres have been built with an abrasion-resistant rubber compound to extend mileage.
Opting for e-mobility should not come at the expense of your tyres’ longevity, and Continental makes sure it doesn’t.
Due to limited battery capacities, e-vehicles still struggle with a shorter range compared to conventional combustion engines. This is where your tyres come into play. The lower the rolling resistance, the lower the energy consumption – for both combustion engines and e-cars. This way, you can gain additional range while simultaneously supporting sustainability.
Last, but not least, all Continental tyres are equipped with ContiSeal technology. This is a sticky, viscous sealant layer of the tyre which fixes tread damage up to 5 mm in diameter. It traps the air inside, keeps the tyre inflated and your car mobile.
ContiSeal seals 80% of punctures – which would come in handy for any type of vehicle but is particularly beneficial in electromobility. By practically eliminating the need for emergency tyre changes, ContiSeal frees up construction space needed for the battery.
