News

May 12, 2023

Exclusive prototype: special tires for new trailer that hybridizes diesel trucks

TRADE SHOW PREMIERE: Another highlight that Continental has been unveiling at

TRADE SHOW PREMIERE:

Another highlight that Continental has been unveiling at the IAA Transportation 2022 is a tire prototype for a special trailer with an electrified drive axle. Continental is the exclusive development partner to Trailer Dynamics, which will be presenting this innovative concept featuring an electrified semitrailer to the public at the show.

The tread profile on this prototype is exceptionally robust and features deep traction elements such as sipes for high performance throughout the tire's lifetime. In addition, a special tread compound ensures a good balance between traction and mileage. The final serial production tire will also have a reinforced belt package to counter the impact of propulsion of the driven axle.

"Our tire prototype for electric trailers represents a whole new tire segment. It possesses the properties of a tire for the drive axle and is designed for the recuperation of braking energy. It also possesses all the properties of a conventional trailer tire for the first and third axle. A real all-rounder in the truest sense of the word, it is specially designed for the hybridization of trucks," says Kreipe.

The prototype, which is based on the Conti EcoPlus HT3 + in dimension 355/50 R 22.5, is already approved for road use and is currently being tested in collaboration with Trailer Dynamics. Series production is scheduled to begin in 2025. The electrified drive axle of the eMega Liner from Trailer Dynamics instantly transforms the semitrailer tractor with combustion engine into a hybrid vehicle, meaning that the electrified trailer significantly reduces diesel consumption and CO2 emissions – by at least 20 percent according to the manufacturer.

Continental premiers tire for trailer with an electrified drive axle.

The transport industry is gearing up for the future: Tomorrow's road freight transport will be connected, automated and as sustainable as possible. Continental is one of the leading suppliers of original equipment and the technology company is meeting these changes with foresight. At the IAA TRANSPORTATION, visitors to the Continental booth were able to experience many solutions for the major challenges of the mobile future in freight transport. On this page you will find an overview of all press materials.