Continental prepares specialised tyre for EV market

Fleets with electric or plug-in vehicles will soon have the rubber to match after Continental announced the forthcoming launch of its new Conti.eContact tyres, designed to optimise fuel and energy consumption.

Continental say the tyres will cater for the motorists’ growing need for greater fuel efficiency to mirror how new vehicles are designed.

The Conti.eContact features a larger outer diameter, such as 195/55R20 instead of a traditional 205/55R16, to deliver substantially reduced rolling resistance while the tyre’s more flexible sidewall limits energy loss when deflecting or rebounding.

Engineers and designers included wide circumferential grooves, optimised tread depth, a flat contour and smooth off-shoulder design to create the most efficient and durable tyre for the electric vehicle market.

Despite admitting that the Conti.eContact will appeal to a slender section of motorists, Continental believes that increasingly available charging facilities and Government incentives will help fuel EV sales and uptake.

The Conti.eContact will be available in sizes 125/80R13 and 145/40R13 later this year.

See also:

• Tyre’d of spending too much on fuel? Read this.
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• Year of your life wasted in traffic jams
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• Michelin highlights the cost of tyre neglect
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• Tyres neglected by 4 in 10 fleet bosses
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• Latest DfT figures highlight need for continual tyre checks
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• SEAT supports Tyre Safety Month
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• Get your winter tyres before the big chill
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• Keep business drivers rolling with winter tyres
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• Nearly 7 in 10 cars are driving on under-inflated tyres
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