EVs are heavier than their conventional counterparts. The higher weight of these vehicles is due to their batteries, which weigh more than a full tank of fuel for an internal combustion engine. If we consider hybrid vehicles, they can be even heavier: they have an engine, an electric motor, plus a fuel tank and powerful batteries on board. The additional weight of EVs can be covered by increasing the load-bearing capacity of the tire casing. This is accomplished using components inside the tire, especially the casing reinforcement components.

In electric vehicles, you get the maximum torque when accelerating right from the very start. Vehicles with combustion engines take longer to get up to speed. Tires on electric vehicles can therefore be subject to greater levels of stress during acceleration and during regenerative braking, which in turn affects their endurance and wear values. In order to keep the wear impact relatively low, it calls for modifications to both the tread pattern design and the tread compound.

EV tires should ideally be barely audible for the occupants. Given how much quieter an electric vehicle is than a model with a combustion engine, especially for commercial vehicles, it is important to limit the tire and road noise. Continental has developed proprietary technology to reduce noise levels. 

Tire inflation pressure is critical for electric vehicles (EV) due to two factors: the extra weight carried by the tires, and the desire for maximum range before recharging. Tire pressure management can help with both aspects.

When it comes to carrying maximum weight, proper tire inflation is critical. It is the air inside the tire that allows the tire to carry the load. Ensuring proper inflation pressure maintains the ideal contact patch of the tire on the road and reduces stress on the components, which improves tire runout and minimizes irregular wear. It also delivers 20 percent longer casing life for retreading, versus a tire that is just 10 percent underinflated.

Tire pressure also impacts rolling resistance, one of the critical factors in an electric vehicle’s range before recharging. A tire must be designed for ideal rolling resistance for EVs, and must have the proper inflation pressure to deliver the best rolling resistance. Underinflation , or low tire inflation, increases rolling resistance and decreases the range of an electric vehicle.

The good news is that fleets no longer have to rely on performing tire pressure checks on tens, hundreds, or even thousands of tires on their vehicles. With ContiConnect Live over-the-road monitoring, ContiConnect Yard depot-based monitoring, or other digital tire monitoring technology, fleets will know immediately whether any tires have low pressure. Leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) saves fleets time and money by protecting their tires, and improves safety for everyone who drives on the roadway.