The prototype tire was designed for a special trailer with an electrified drive axle and was presented to the public for the very first time at IAA Transportation 2022. Continental is the exclusive development partner to Trailer Dynamics, which presented an electrified semitrailer at the trade show.
The prototype, which is based on the Conti EcoPlus HT3 +, is a real all-rounder and exhibits the properties not only of a tire for the drive axle but also those of a conventional trailer tire for use on the first and third axles.
As a drive tire, the tire already approved in size 355/50 R 22.5 is capable of recuperating braking energy. In combination with the electrified drive axle on the eMega Liner from Trailer Dynamics, the semitrailer tractor with combustion engine is instantly transformed into a hybrid. So the electric trailer significantly reduces diesel consumption and CO2 emissions – by at least 20% according to the manufacturer.
The prototype is currently being trialed in collaboration with Trailer Dynamics and is scheduled to enter series production from 2025.