Electric vehicles and low-emission hybrid cars are driving the transformation of mobility as we know it. This means it’s time to learn more about the high-tech tyres that keep them rolling into an emission-free future. While we don’t quite have to reinvent the wheel, we do need to focus on certain aspects of the tyre to ensure optimal performance for electric cars. Depending on the vehicle concept, the tyre-related requirements can vary from insignificant to significant. Find out about changing tyre requirements and our tyre innovations at Continental that fulfill the requirements for the electric age.
Compared to combustion cars, electric drive technology lowers engine noise, emissions, maintenance and running costs. However, one consequence of the many electric vehicle benefits is a significant increase in weight. Batteries are heavy and their weight places additional strain on electric car tyres.
Electric engine torque also has a positive and negative side. On the one hand, it means instant acceleration. On the other hand, this high instant torque places additional strain on the tyres.
Learn what our tyre expert Nels explains about the meaning of tyre performance for electric vehicles:
Choosing the right tyres for electric vehicles is essential for an EV’s efficiency, braking performance and mileage. Here’s what to consider when buying new tyres for electric or hybrid cars:
By purchasing an e-car or hybrid, you’ve already bought into the future of mobility. Round off your cutting-edge car with forward-looking equipment by choosing tyres designed to complement electric vehicle technology.
Buying tyres that can carry the weight of your car is always important, but it is crucial when choosing an electric car tyre. Effectively, due to the weight of EVs, you need stronger tyres. You can for example consider XL tyres which have been especially developed for use with heavy loads.
A tyre’s rolling resistance takes on an even greater importance for electric cars. Lower rolling resistance means increased electric range and higher efficiency, while also contributing to your car’s overall sustainability. Our EcoContact 6 strikes an optimal balance between tyre size and component distribution. A high-tech compound provides robust connections between the silica and the rubber. This allows optimal adaptation to varying road conditions, which ultimately improves the tyre’s rolling resistance and consumption.
More weight also means longer braking distances. A good tyre can make up for that, so it’s important to use the best rubber compound possible. Our EcoContact 6, for example, relies on its premium Green Chilli 2.0 compound with grip additives for improved braking performance, even for heavier EVs.
The power of your EV comes with a need for compatible tyres that can handle its performance safely. The tyre speed rating is crucial, indicating the maximum speed at which a tyre can safely operate without risking damage or failure. This rating, denoted by a letter such as S (180 km/h) or H (210 km/h), isn’t just about allowing high-speed travel. A tyre’s speed capability must match or exceed the top speed of your vehicle. It’s about complementing the excitement of driving an electric vehicle with the peace of mind that your tyres are up to the task.
Speed index in one sentence:
The speed rating indicates the maximum permissible speed a tyre can handle at full load, helping you choose the right tyres for your EV’s specific needs.
In the absence of engine sound, low-noise tyres contribute to a smooth and silent driving experience by reducing the amount of tyre noise transferred to the passenger cabin. This means less distraction from the rumble of the road and more enjoyment of your vehicle’s sound system or the company of your passengers. It’s about enhancing the tranquility of your drive, allowing you to relax or engage more fully with your surroundings. Our tyre technology ContiSilent is a tyre noise-reducing technology which is designed to reduce interior noise on all road surfaces and leads to 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. A special layer of polyurethane foam inside the tyre tread absorbs vibrations, preventing noise from transferring to the cabin. It is also available for the EcoContact 6 and is compatible with all commonly available rims.
Electric vehicles boast instant torque, meaning they accelerate the second you put the pedal to the metal. However, the high instant torque of electric vehicles can also increase wear and tear. In addition to good grip, the rubber compound used for EV tyres also needs low rolling resistance.
Buying tyres that can carry the weight of your car is always important, but it is crucial when choosing an electric car tyre. Effectively, due to the weight of EVs, you need stronger tyres. You can, for example, consider XL tyres which have been especially developed for use with heavy loads.
A tyre’s rolling resistance takes on an even greater importance for electric cars. Lower rolling resistance means increased electric range and higher efficiency, while also contributing to your car’s overall sustainability. Our EcoContact 6 strikes an optimal balance between tyre size and component distribution. A high-tech compound provides robust connections between the silica and the rubber. This allows an optimal adaptation to varying road conditions, which ultimately improves the tyre’s rolling resistance and consumption.
More weight also means longer braking distance. A good tyre can make up for that, so it’s important to use the best rubber compound possible. Our EcoContact 6, for example, relies on its premium Green Chilli 2.0 compound with grip additives for improved braking performance, even for heavier EVs.
In the absence of engine sound, low noise tyres contribute to a smooth and silent driving experience by reducing the amount of tyre noise transferred to the passenger cabin. Our tyre technology ContiSilent is 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. It is also available for the EcoContact 6 and is compatible with all commonly available rims.
Electric vehicles boast instant torque, meaning they accelerate the second you put the pedal to the metal. However, the high instant torque of electric vehicles can also increase wear and tear. In addition to good grip, the rubber compound used for EV tyres also needs low rolling resistance.
Continental’s tyre innovation specialists have risen to the challenges of the mobility revolution. For instance, the EcoContact 6 addresses the specific issues raised by the increased weight of EVs and hybrids. It helps to balance the need for low rolling resistance, high grip and sturdiness. Also our other premium tyre lines from Continental with their state-of-the-art tyre technologies already meet the tyre requirements that arise for today's electric vehicles.
Rolling resistance refers to the effort required by your tyres to roll on the road surface. For EVs, where maintaining battery efficiency is paramount, choosing tyres with low rolling resistance is essential. Lower resistance means your vehicle consumes less energy, thus extending the distance you can travel on a single charge. It’s about optimising your EV’s potential, enabling longer trips and reducing the frequency of charges. Especially for people with long commutes or road trip enthusiasts, finding tyres that support your vehicle’s range can make all the difference, allowing you to explore further and enjoy the journey with fewer interruptions.
Our Continental EcoContact tyre line with the EcoContact 6 and EcoContact 7 is designed with exceptional low rolling resistance, making these tyres ideal for electric vehicles. While both models share this key feature, their unique rubber compounds offer distinct advantages. Whether you're looking to maximise energy efficiency, reduce noise, or enhance dynamic handling, these specially engineered tyres provide the perfect combination of performance and comfort, transforming your EV driving experience.
EVs can wear out tyres more quickly than traditional vehicles due to their instant torque or battery weight.
To increase EV tyre longevity, maintenance is especially important. As with other tyres, you should check the air pressure of your electric vehicle tyres regularly and adjust if necessary. Correct wheel alignment will reduce tyre wear and should be checked every 6 months, or sooner if you have hit a curb, pothole or other obstacle. An expert can check excessive wear, especially on the inside edge of the tyre, and will recommend alignment or rotation as needed.
If possible, replace tyres with original equipment models, which were not only designed for the needs of electric vehicles, but specifically made to fit the precise model you are driving. Continental has provided original equipment tyres for Tesla and the Volkswagen ID.3.
All-season tyres or all-weather tyres are engineered to offer reliable performance in most weather conditions, from the warm showers of spring to the frosty breezes of winter. When winter feels like fall and summer resembles spring, the AllSeasonContact 2 is ready for it all. Its advanced materials with an improved pattern design not only lead to lower abrasion, giving your tyre a longer life, but also to reduced energy loss, which is key to minimising fuel consumption and extending range. All-season or all-weather tyres are the perfect solution for drivers who want the convenience of year-round use without the hassle of seasonal changes. Designed for durability and versatility, they’re especially well-suited to handling the high instant torque and heavier build of electric vehicles (EVs).
Continental’s all-season tyre range is designed to excel in milder climates, offering a seamless blend of the best features from both summer and winter tyres. Perfect for moderate conditions, these all-rounders ensure a smooth and reliable ride throughout the year, no matter the season – and they are also suitable for EV cars.
Your EV is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s part of your daily expression and a testament to your values of innovation and environmental responsibility. Each decision you make – from the type of tyres you choose to how you manage your vehicle’s energy use – shapes your driving experience. These choices are about embracing the full potential of electric mobility and ensuring that every trip is safe, enjoyable, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle. Let’s not just drive; let’s drive smarter, cleaner, and with greater enjoyment. Welcome to the pleasure of electric driving.
