Continental and Renault Partner to Boost EV Range with Ultra-Efficient Tires

Hanover, Germany - Continental AG, a manufacturing and automotive supplier company, has developed a highly efficient tire for Renault Group to improve the driving range of future electric vehicles. The tire offers up to 35% lower rolling resistance than the EU tire label’s top A-rating requirement, adding around 30 km of extra range for an EV with a 500 km battery range. Based on the EcoContact 7, the tire was specially adapted with a modified tread compound, customized sidewall design and optimized construction. The innovation was presented during Renault Group’s Sustainability Tour in Guyancourt, near Paris.

Dr. Christian Strübel, Continental expert on the rolling resistance of car tires, said “Together with Renault Group, we are improving the efficiency of its new electric vehicles. Our tailor-made tires have very low rolling resistance, which significantly increases range.”

Mr. Nicolas Champetier, VP Innovation at Renault Group, said “Extremely low rolling resistance is key to enhancing the range of electric vehicles. With Continental, we have a strong partner by our side: thanks to our long-standing collaboration in original equipment, we can jointly develop solutions that have the potential to deliver real added value for our customers.”

Rolling resistance remains a key priority in Continental’s tire development. It accounts for around 20% to 30% of a vehicle’s energy use, regardless of powertrain type. By reducing rolling resistance, less energy is lost through tire deformation and road friction, helping improve efficiency and extend EV driving range. At the same time, tires remain essential for safety, as they are the vehicle’s only contact with the road and provide the grip needed for braking, stability and handling.

Continental and Renault Group used advanced virtual development and testing tools for the project. Continental’s Driver-in-the-Loop simulator helped evaluate and refine tire performance under realistic driving conditions early in the development stage. Renault Group’s ROADS simulator also supported the process by digitally recreating real-world driving scenarios for repeatable virtual testing. By combining both systems, the teams accelerated development, improved efficiency and reduced the need for physical test tires. Continental now saves up to 10,000 test tires each year through virtual tire development.

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