Continental now provides original equipment tires to every one of the 10 highest-volume electric vehicle manufacturers in the EMEA region. Globally, 17 of the 20 largest EV manufacturers by volume use Continental tires. The milestone reflects the Hanover-based company’s early investment in EV-optimized tire technology.
Highlights
- EMEA dominance: Continental supplied OE tires to all 10 top EV manufacturers in the region during 2025.
- Global reach: The company equips 8 of the top 10 EV makers in the Americas and 7 of the top 10 in Asia Pacific.
- EcoContact 7 launch: Continental’s newest tire features aerodynamic sidewall dimples to reduce rolling resistance for EVs and ICE vehicles alike.
- Market growth: The Fraunhofer ISI projected global BEV sales rose 23% in 2025, reaching 12.7 million units.
Regional Breakdown
Continental’s OE client roster spans premium and volume brands. BYD, Volkswagen, Stellantis, BMW, NIO, Hyundai, and Renault are among the 17 global partners. The Asia Pacific market remains the most dynamic segment. In China specifically, new high-volume manufacturers entered the rankings within a single year.
“The EMEA region confirms the success of our strategy. We began designing our passenger tires for low rolling resistance, quiet rolling noise and high load capacity very early on. These properties are especially important for electric vehicles,” says Dennis Bellmund, responsible for the global original equipment business at Continental Tires.
Why EVs Demand Specialized Tires
Electric vehicles present distinct challenges for tire engineers. Battery weight makes EVs heavier than comparable ICE models. Instant torque delivery also increases stress on tires during acceleration. Together, these factors can accelerate tire wear.
Additionally, the quieter powertrains of EVs make tire rolling noise more perceptible. As a result, low-noise tire design has become a priority for OE fitments.
EcoContact 7 and Aerodynamic Design
Continental has focused on low rolling resistance and high mileage across its lineup since the 1990s. The company launched its first energy-efficiency-focused tire, the ContiEcoContact, in 1993. The seventh generation is now on the market.
The EcoContact 7 uses an “aerodimple” sidewall structure inspired by golf ball design. These dimples reduce air turbulence behind the tire. That lowers the energy required to maintain tire rotation. Continental designed the tire for both EVs and combustion-engine vehicles.
Since 2023, Continental has applied an EV-compatible logo to tires designed to optimize electric vehicle range.
Global EV Sales Continue Rising
Fraunhofer ISI projected global BEV sales grew from 10.3 million units in 2024 to 12.7 million in 2025. That represents a 23% year-over-year increase. Asia Pacific, led by China, remains the largest market with double-digit growth rates.
Europe ranked as the second-largest market. Approximately 2.5 million EVs were registered there in 2025, a 26% increase over 2024. North American registrations held steady at about 1.4 million vehicles, according to ISI.
Continental generated €19.7 billion in total sales during 2025. The company employs roughly 78,000 people across 54 countries. Its tire division alone posted €13.8 billion in revenue with more than 56,000 employees, 19 production sites, and 16 development facilities.
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