Also for e-trucks: More mileage for long-distance with CV tires Conti EfficientPro 5

Reducing Operating Costs

The new silica rubber compound, designated vec2Sil, is intended to increase fuel and energy efficiency in long-haul transport, thus also reducing CO2 emissions, according to the press release. At the same time, however, the product is also suitable as a kind of all-rounder for electromobility. Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development EMEA at Continental, says:

"With the new Conti EfficientPro 5, we support our customers in complying with strict CO2 reduction targets, reducing their operating costs, and preparing for the future with electric drive."

After intensive development work, a solution has now been found that meets today's long-haul transport requirements, Kaiser continues. The vec2Sil technology provides reduced rolling resistance along with high mileage – a combination that practically gives the product a unique selling point. "In this way, the new Conti EfficientPro 5 helps fleet operators to be energy efficient on the road and reduce their toll costs," the announcement states.

Rolling resistance plays a key role in emissions: according to Conti, it accounts for up to 30 percent of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of a truck. There is always a need to balance the conflict between low rolling resistance and safety-relevant properties such as grip and driving behavior. Conti, as a specialist with over 150 years of experience in tire development, continuously works on solutions that ensure both durability and high safety. The EfficientPro has been continuously optimized in this regard for over ten years.

For All Weather Conditions

The new long-haul tire also features outstanding wet traction with safe handling throughout its entire lifespan, the statement says. For this purpose, the tread design has been optimized for its decisive properties: cavity-forming grooves contribute to consistently good performance "in handling and braking," practically in any weather, even in wet and snowy conditions: "High grip and stability offer safety in all weather conditions," Conti says. The tire has the 3PMSF marking, which attests to its winter suitability.

The measures to reduce rolling resistance are a help for vehicle manufacturers to comply with EU regulations such as 2019/1242 to support economical operation, as Conti announces. Details are not disclosed. EU regulation 2019/1242 sets the CO2 emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles. The 39-page document, issued on June 20, 2019, is available online. As the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) explains on its website, it specifies the fleet limits for trucks with a permissible total weight of more than 16 tons, which have been applicable since this year in two stages until 2030. This means that the average of all vehicles registered in a year must meet the stipulated limits.

Also for E-Trucks

The increasing presence of e-trucks in traffic also demands suitable solutions. Thus, the EfficientPro was also developed with new drives in mind: "It is the first tire in this segment where we have specifically considered the requirements of electric vehicles," says the commercial vehicle tire specialist. Another feature should primarily benefit the payload of e-trucks with their higher weight: more load capacity due to a higher load index.

For this purpose, the EfficientPro 5 has now been equipped with reinforced belt layers, ensuring high stability, durability, and safety even with heavy loads. The report states:

"The new Conti EfficientPro 5 is ideal for fleet managers who prioritize both efficiency and safety. This tire is a milestone for fleets already focusing on electromobility and sustainability today."