Continental on Friday highlighted its latest advances in tyre technology aimed at reducing energy consumption and increasing the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs). The premium tyre maker said lowering rolling resistance — the energy lost when a tyre rolls and deforms on the road — remains one of its key development goals as demand rises for more efficient and sustainable mobility.
Continental officials explained that rolling resistance significantly affects a vehicle’s energy efficiency and overall emissions. In internal combustion engine vehicles, tyres can account for roughly 20 % to 30 % of fuel use, while for EVs, lower rolling resistance directly translates into longer range and reduced battery energy consumption.
“Reducing rolling resistance is one of our key development goals,” said Dr. Christian Strübel, a Continental expert on rolling resistance. He added that the company continuously works to balance energy efficiency with grip and safety under varying driving conditions.
Continental pointed to its latest tyre lines, including versions of the EcoContact series and the VanContact A/S Eco, which have earned top ratings for rolling resistance and are designed to help vehicles travel farther on a single charge. These tyres also aim to lower carbon dioxide emissions overall, supporting broader environmental goals.
The company noted that the engineering challenge lies in reducing rolling resistance without sacrificing critical safety traits such as braking performance and traction. Innovations in advanced materials, rubber compounds, and tread designs are central to achieving this balance, the company said.
Continental officials said the continued focus on rolling resistance reflects shifts in industry and consumer priorities as EV adoption grows globally, and as regulators tighten emissions standards. Over the past decade, Continental says it has reduced rolling resistance in its passenger car tyre portfolio by an average of about 15 %, contributing to improved efficiency for both conventional and electrified vehicles.
