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 tires 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 tire to ensure optimal performance for electric cars. Depending on the vehicle concept, the tire-related requirements can vary from insignificant to significant. Find out about changing tire requirements and our tire 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 tires.
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 tires.
Learn what our tire expert Nels explains about the meaning of tire performance for electric vehicles:
Choosing the right tires for electric vehicles is essential for an EV’s efficiency, braking performance and mileage. Here’s what to consider when buying new tires 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 tires designed to complement electric vehicle technology. Our premium tire lines from Continental with their state-of-the-art tire technologies already meet the tire requirements that arise for today's electric vehicles.
Buying tires that can carry the weight of your car is always important, but it is crucial when choosing an electric car tire. Effectively, due to the weight of EVs, you need stronger tires. You can for example consider XL tires which have been especially developed for use with heavy loads.
A tire’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 tire 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 tire’s rolling resistance and consumption.
More weight also means longer braking distances. A good tire 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 tires that can handle its performance safely. The tire speed rating is crucial, indicating the maximum speed at which a tire 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 tire’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 tires are up to the task.
Speed index in one sentence:
The speed rating indicates the maximum permissible speed a tire can handle at full load, helping you choose the right tires for your EV’s specific needs.
In the absence of engine sound, low-noise tires contribute to a smooth and silent driving experience by reducing the amount of tire 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 tire technology ContiSilent is a tire 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 tire 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 tires also needs low rolling resistance.
Continental’s tire 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 tire lines from Continental with their state-of-the-art tire technologies already meet the tire requirements that arise for today's electric vehicles.
Rolling resistance refers to the effort required by your tires to roll on the road surface. For EVs, where maintaining battery efficiency is paramount, choosing tires 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 optimizing your EV’s potential, enabling longer trips and reducing the frequency of charges. Especially for people with long commutes or road trip enthusiasts, finding tires 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 tire line with the EcoContact 6 and EcoContact 7 is designed with exceptional low rolling resistance, making these tires ideal for electric vehicles. While both models share this key feature, their unique rubber compounds offer distinct advantages. Whether you're looking to maximize energy efficiency, reduce noise, or enhance dynamic handling, these specially engineered tires provide the perfect combination of performance and comfort, transforming your EV driving experience.
EVs can wear out tires more quickly than traditional vehicles due to their instant torque or battery weight.
To increase EV tire longevity, maintenance is especially important. As with other tires, you should check the air pressure of your electric vehicle tires regularly and adjust if necessary. Correct wheel alignment will reduce tire 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 tire, and will recommend alignment or rotation as needed.
If possible, replace tires 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 tires for Tesla and the Volkswagen ID.3
All-season tires or all-weather tires 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 tire a longer life, but also to reduced energy loss, which is key to minimizing fuel consumption and extending range. All-season or all-weather tires 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 tire range is designed to excel in milder climates, offering a seamless blend of the best features from both summer and winter tires. 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.
You can’t control the weather. But you can be prepared.
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All winter tires are the same. Until the streets turn white.
View detailsYour 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 tires 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.
