Continental and Renault Group Partner on Low Rolling Resistance Tire Technology to Improve Electric Vehicle Range

Continental EcoContact 7
Photo: Wlad Simitch

(IN BRIEF) Continental has developed a highly efficient tire for Renault Group’s innovation teams as part of a strategic partnership aimed at improving electric vehicle energy efficiency and driving range. Based on the Continental EcoContact 7 and adapted to Renault Group’s requirements, the tire achieves rolling resistance up to 35% lower than the threshold needed for the EU tire label’s top A rating. For an electric vehicle with a 500-kilometer battery range, this could add up to 30 kilometers per charge. The tire was unveiled during Renault Group’s “Sustainability Tour” on June 8 in Guyancourt, near Paris. The collaboration also used advanced virtual development tools, including Continental’s Driver-in-the-Loop simulator and Renault Group’s ROADS simulator, helping accelerate testing and reduce the need for physical test tires. The project highlights the growing role of tire engineering in supporting more efficient electric vehicles and extending range without compromising key safety and performance requirements.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANOVER, 15-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Continental and Renault Group are working together to advance the development of more energy-efficient electric vehicles through a strategic partnership focused on tire technology and reduced rolling resistance.

As part of the collaboration, Continental has developed a highly efficient tire for Renault Group’s innovation teams that can help extend electric vehicle range by reducing energy loss while driving. The tire delivers rolling resistance up to 35% lower than the level required for the EU tire label’s highest A rating. For an electric vehicle with a battery range of 500 kilometers, this could provide up to 30 additional kilometers per charge, roughly equivalent to the distance between Paris and Versailles.

Renault Group’s “Sustainability Tour” on June 8 in Guyancourt, near Paris
Photo: Wlad Simitch

The tire was developed from Continental’s EcoContact 7 and adapted specifically to Renault Group’s technical requirements. Continental combined a specially modified tread compound with a customized sidewall design and optimized tire construction to improve efficiency while supporting the performance needs of future electric vehicles.

Continental is serving as a technical partner to Renault Group’s development and innovation platform, “Garage Futurama.” The partnership highlights how precisely engineered tires can contribute to improved electric vehicle range, energy efficiency and driving performance as automakers continue to refine the next generation of battery-powered vehicles.

The tire was presented during Renault Group’s “Sustainability Tour” on June 8 in Guyancourt, near Paris, where the companies showcased the results of their joint work.

Dr. Christian Strübel, Continental expert on the rolling resistance of car tires, said the collaboration with Renault Group is helping improve the efficiency of new electric vehicles. He noted that the tailor-made tires developed by Continental have very low rolling resistance, which can significantly increase vehicle range.

Nicolas Champetier, VP Innovation at Renault Group, said extremely low rolling resistance is essential for improving the driving range of electric vehicles. He added that Continental is a strong partner for Renault Group, supported by the companies’ long-standing collaboration in original equipment, and that their joint work can create solutions with real added value for customers.

Rolling resistance is a major factor in vehicle energy efficiency and has long been a key area of focus in Continental’s tire development. Around 20% to 30% of a vehicle’s energy consumption, regardless of powertrain type, is linked to rolling resistance. When rolling resistance is reduced, less energy is lost through tire deformation and friction as the vehicle moves along the road.

For electric vehicles, lower rolling resistance is particularly important because it can directly reduce energy consumption and help extend driving range. However, tires must also maintain their essential safety role. As the only contact points between the vehicle and the road, tires provide the grip needed for braking, handling and stable driving.

Continental and Renault Group used advanced virtual development and testing methods during the project. Continental’s Driver-in-the-Loop simulator allowed tire characteristics to be assessed and optimized under realistic driving conditions early in the development process.

Renault Group’s ROADS driving simulator was also included in the work, digitally reproducing real-world driving conditions and enabling repeatable virtual testing. By combining both simulation systems, the companies were able to replicate test scenarios more efficiently and accelerate development.

The use of virtual technologies also reduces the need for physical prototypes and test tires. Continental currently saves up to 10,000 test tires per year through virtual methods in tire development, supporting more efficient and resource-conscious product development.

Through the partnership, Continental and Renault Group are demonstrating how tire innovation, digital development and close technical cooperation can support the broader transition toward more efficient electric mobility.

Media contact:

Laura Averbeck
Spokeswoman, Technology and Sustainability
+49 511 938-23614
laura.averbeck@conti.de

SOURCE: Continental AG