With the EcoContact 7 and the EcoContact 7 S, Continental is launching two new tyres. In developing the two new summer models, the premium tyre manufacturer focused on improved driving efficiency, lower rolling noise and dynamic handling to meet the needs of vehicle manufacturers. The tyres are ideal for electric vehicles but can also reduce the fuel consumption of internal combustion vehicles. These new EcoContact models predominantly achieve EU tyre label ratings of Class A for rolling resistance and Class A and B for wet braking and rolling noise.
Optimised efficiency: more kilometres with less energy
With the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S, Continental has once again succeeded in significantly increasing the overall efficiency of the tyres. In addition to the new Green Chili 3.0 rubber compound, the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S feature Smart Energy Casing technology, which is already used in Continental’s current AllSeasonContact 2 all-season tyre. The tyres also use new materials in the tyre carcass, inner layer and tyre wall. These materials reduce friction inside the tyre, thereby lowering rolling resistance and increasing energy efficiency.
When improving the dynamics, the company relied on knowledge gained from the golfing world. Golf balls are equipped with 300 – 450 small dimples. These reduce air resistance and at the same time ensure greater lift and a longer and more precise flight. Continental has transferred this concept to the sidewalls of the tyres and developed the Aerodimple structure. The dimples embedded in the tyre’s sidewall reduce the air turbulence behind the tyre so that the vehicle uses less energy to move the tyre.
Low rolling noise and more comfort: quiet rolling in urban areas
Continental has developed the Silent Pattern tread pattern for the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S to help reduce road noise in cities and sustainably support the quiet rolling of electric vehicles without engine noise, as well as combustion vehicles with particularly quiet engines. For this purpose, the spacing of the tread blocks and the angle of the blocks were optimised at the same time.
The resulting tread design is ideally matched to the frequencies that normally occur at speeds of around 30mph and is able to contribute to a more pleasant noise perception for passers-by and residents.
EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S: ideal solutions for all vehicle types and drive systems
The EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S combine many innovative Continental technologies that improve both models in terms of efficiency, rolling noise, dry handling and mileage and are differentiated by the Green Chili 3.0 tread compound. This has been adapted to the different priorities of the two models.
With the EcoContact 7 compound, Continental has strongly focused on low rolling resistance, which ensures its high energy efficiency. The tread compound of the EcoContact 7 S focuses on wet grip and handling and also offers greater steering precision and a higher grip level.
With both models, Continental is able to meet the different needs of various vehicle manufacturers and drivers. Their special efficiency, low rolling noise and high mileage also make the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S the ideal summer tyre solution for electric vehicles. Both models are therefore also marked with the Continental EV Compatible logo on the sidewall.
The EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S have already received original equipment approvals from well-known vehicle manufacturers such as BYD, Mercedes and Volkswagen.
