In 2023, German tyre manufacturer Continental supplied tyres to all 10 of the world's highest-volume manufacturers of fully electric vehicles for the first time. In the previous year, that figure stood at nine out of ten.

In the Asia-Pacific region (APAC), the premium tyre manufacturer is supplying the top five highest-volume manufacturers of electric vehicles with original equipment tyres for the first time. In Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) as well as in the North, South and Central America (The Americas) regions, the company was able to defend its strong position: the five highest-volume manufacturers continue to trust in Continental tyres. 

“Our customers attach particular importance to tyres with low rolling resistance for more range and quiet rolling noise for high driving comfort. We meet these requirements with our high-performing tires for all types of electric vehicles. The trust that manufacturers of e-vehicles worldwide have in Continental tires is a nice confirmation of this,” said Manja Greimeier, who heads the Original Equipment business for Continental’s Tires group sector. The established and new e-vehicle manufacturers that Continental supplies include Tesla, BYD, Volkswagen, BMW and Geely. 

According to the company, it started to work specifically on optimizing its tyres for greater efficiency and lower consumption from a very early stage. In 1993, the tyre manufacturer presented the ContiEcoContact – the first tyre line designed specifically for energy efficiency. Since then, all tyre developments have focused on low rolling resistance, low rolling noise and high mileage without compromising or limiting safety.

Continental has been producing passenger car tyres with HL load index identification since 2021. These tyres have a higher load capacity and are designed for EVs with their heavy batteries.

In its tyre development, Continental also considers the higher weight of EVs that results from the weight of the battery. Therefore, it has also been producing passenger car tyres with the special HL load index, which have an increased load capacity, since 2021.

All vehicles benefit from Continental’s technological advances, regardless of their type of drive. The company has optimized all current lines in the whole tyre portfolio for all types of drive. Since 2023 the EV Compatible logo on the tyre wall clarifies which tyre models are designed for use on electric vehicles and to optimize their range.