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Automotive

Continental takes unusual approach with the Conti CityPlus concept tire

By Aaron Turpen
September 06, 2023
Continental takes unusual approach with the Conti CityPlus concept tire
“We see great potential, especially for electric vehicles, where every kilometer of range counts,” says Klaus Kreipe, Head of Continental Tires’ original equipment business in the EMEA region
“We see great potential, especially for electric vehicles, where every kilometer of range counts,” says Klaus Kreipe, Head of Continental Tires’ original equipment business in the EMEA region
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“We see great potential, especially for electric vehicles, where every kilometer of range counts,” says Klaus Kreipe, Head of Continental Tires’ original equipment business in the EMEA region
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“We see great potential, especially for electric vehicles, where every kilometer of range counts,” says Klaus Kreipe, Head of Continental Tires’ original equipment business in the EMEA region
Conti CityPlus Concept Tire is said to reduce CO2 emissions and extend the driving range of passenger cars
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Conti CityPlus Concept Tire is said to reduce CO2 emissions and extend the driving range of passenger cars

Continental has unveiled a new concept tire at the IAA Mobility show in Hanover, Germany. Called the Conti CityPlus, it takes an unusual approach to "tire efficiency," focusing on urban use rather than highway driving.

The Conti CityPlus is optimized for use in stop-and-go traffic, where deformation of a vehicle's tires occurs as torque is applied when either braking or accelerating. These tire deformations are most prevalent in heavier vehicles such as EVs.

The Conti CityPlus concept reduces such deformation by adding rigidity to the sidewalls through a stiffer carcass. Specially formulated fillers, rubber, and polymer compounds aid in reducing deformation, and also improve the performance of the tire's contact surfaces. These surfaces are further enhanced with a tread pattern that has less spread and more traction, to make stops quicker and acceleration more controlled.

The Conti CityPlus reportedly boasts a 10% improvement in tire efficiency, which could result in a 3% boost in range for an EV. That equates to 0.6 kWh saved over 100 km (62 miles) of driving in stop-and-go driving.

Continental has not given a production timeline for the Conti CityPlus concept. It will need to undergo EU safety testing before being commercialized.

Source: Continental

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AutomotiveContinentalTiresEfficiency
5 comments
Aaron Turpen
Aaron Turpen
Aaron is a Wyoming-based automotive journalist with interests in electronic and engineering technology. Outside of New Atlas, Aaron is a prolific writer, father of two, and would-be chicken farmer.

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5 comments
Mark Hentz
I guess we will wait to see how noisy these tires are.
guzmanchinky
When will we finally get away from air in tires? Just a few PSI up or down makes a similar difference, and with no air there will be no flats, and much longer lasting tires...
Fifi Holeson
So how exactly is this approach 'unusual' ?

Adding different compounds and differnt materials are already existing techniques to change tire preformance.

So 'unusual' compared to what? It feels like the articles here are always half written.
Chase
@guzmanchinky, but those airless tires are heavier than regular tires, so more energy is lost accelerating and braking and they increase unsprung weight. Also, from what I've seen, they are harder to mount than even extra low profile tires. I wouldn't mind companies continuing to develop both ideas concurrently until one option is crowned the winner.
TechGazer
After yesterday's news item about the hazards of microparticles from tires, how much more harmful might the " Specially formulated fillers, rubber, and polymer compounds" be?

Are the dimensions of tires for urban vehicles optimal, or are they chosen for style (looking like race car tires)? I'm just wondering whether tall narrow tires might be more efficient overall. Yes, that means that the vehicle won't look like the ones on race tracks.