From fairway to highway: how golf ball design improves tire efficiency

Continental has unveiled its latest innovation in tire technology, the EcoContact 7 and 7 S, designed to maximize electric car efficiency and improve range. The company has drawn inspiration from an unusual source: golf ball aerodynamics. This is how it works.

Tire manufacturers are continuously seeking innovative ways to improve the rolling resistance of their eco-tires without sacrificing performance or road holding.

Reducing resistance

Continental engineers have introduced an unexpected design feature called ‘Aerodimples’ after taking a closer look at the dimpled surface of golf balls. In this popular sports, this pattern has the proven effect of reducing wind resistance. The improved aerodynamics makes the ball’s cleave through the air easier.

Continental has transplanted these tiny indentations on the sidewalls and near the tread edge of the EcoContact 7 and 7S. The concept helps to reduce air turbulence behind the tire. As a result, less energy is required to keep the tire moving, ultimately enhancing vehicle efficiency and range. A hole-in-one?

Maybe, the tire maker doesn’t report on the precise gains from the dimples, but acknowledges that Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BYD have approved the tire for equipment from factory in Europe.

Eco or sports?

Another feature of the EcoContact 7 series is Green Chili 3.0, a next-generation rubber compound optimized for lower rolling resistance. While the standard EcoContact 7 prioritizes energy efficiency, the sportier 7 S variant incorporates a revised version of this compound for improved grip and sharper handling, especially on wet surfaces.

Additionally, the tires feature ‘Smart Energy Casing technology’, a structural advancement that minimizes internal friction within the tire. This innovation further enhances rolling efficiency, contributing to a more extended driving range for electric vehicles and better fuel economy for combustion-powered cars.

Though not exclusively made for electric vehicles, the new tire benefits these the most. Continental has also fine-tuned the tread pattern to minimize road noise, particularly at lower speeds.

The carefully optimized tread block spacing and angles are designed to absorb vibrations and reduce external noise levels. Electric vehicles lack traditional engine sounds to mask road noise, which might be particularly useful for a quieter cabin.