Renault Finds the 'Trick' to Increase Electric Range Without Changing Battery

The search for greater range for electric cars does not exclusively rely on larger batteries or more efficient motors. Even seemingly secondary components, such as tires, can have a significant impact on energy consumption. This is precisely the aspect on which the new collaboration between Continental and Renault Group focuses.

The German company specializing in tire manufacturing has developed a solution dedicated to the future electric vehicles of the French company, aiming to minimize rolling resistance and thereby improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle.

According to data released by the two companies, the new tire can provide an additional range of up to 30 kilometers on an electric car that typically travels around 500 kilometers on a single charge. This increase could make a difference in daily use and during longer trips.

Further Details on the Project Involving Renault and Continental

The project is based on the EcoContact 7, a summer tire developed by Continental for electric vehicles and introduced to the market last year. To meet Renault's specific requirements, engineers have created a custom version characterized by numerous technical modifications. Among the main interventions are a new tread compound specifically designed to reduce friction, an optimized internal structure, and a dedicated design for the sidewalls.

This combination of solutions has allowed for rolling resistance to be up to 35% lower compared to the requirements necessary to achieve the A classification of the European tire label. Experts emphasize that rolling resistance is a fundamental component in a car's energy consumption. Depending on the usage conditions, it can account for between 20% and 30% of the energy required by the vehicle, regardless of whether it is an electric model or one with an internal combustion engine.

Reducing this energy dissipation means limiting losses caused by tire deformation and friction with the asphalt. In the case of electric cars, the benefit translates directly into increased mileage. However, Continental and Renault emphasize that efficiency cannot be the only development parameter. Tires must also ensure high levels of grip, stability, and safety in braking.