Continental has introduced its aContact tire line, a new product family developed specifically for autonomous vehicles. Unlike traditional tires, the aContact range is engineered to meet the unique performance and safety needs of self-driving fleets, including robotaxis, autonomous shuttles, delivery vehicles, and eventually private driverless cars. The company confirmed that the tires will first be deployed in U.S. cities such as Las Vegas and San Francisco, both hotspots for autonomous vehicle testing.
Meeting the Needs of Driverless Fleets
“Robotaxis will soon become a natural part of our mobility ecosystem, alongside private cars, cargo bikes, and e-scooters,” said Meletis Xigakis, head of research and development for Continental’s original equipment tire business. “To ensure they operate at peak efficiency, these vehicles require tires designed specifically for autonomous driving. That’s what our aContact line delivers—technologies adapted to the demands of mobility providers while enhancing safety and efficiency.”
Unlike conventional vehicles driven by people, autonomous fleets are controlled by AI systems and often run under predictable conditions at moderate speeds. This creates different requirements for tire design. For example, robotaxis and delivery vehicles typically remain in operation for long hours and need tires that can perform reliably and efficiently over extended lifespans.
Focus on Safety and Efficiency
Safety remains the cornerstone of Continental’s design philosophy, but efficiency and adaptability also played a central role in the development of the aContact line. Different mobility scenarios call for different solutions: a shuttle running fixed airport routes, for instance, faces a very different workload compared to a robotaxi navigating stop-and-go city traffic.
To meet these diverse needs, the aContact tires can be tailored with features such as:
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Specialized tread patterns and compounds designed for specific applications.
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Reinforced sidewalls that extend service life and improve durability.
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Low rolling resistance options to help electric vehicles maximize their range.
This flexibility ensures that every fleet operator can equip their vehicles with tires optimized for performance and reliability.
Design Built for Tomorrow’s Vehicles
The physical design of the aContact family highlights the shift toward autonomous and electric mobility. The tires are taller and narrower than conventional models, which lowers air and rolling resistance while supporting heavier vehicle structures, such as EV battery packs. This design improves stability and handling, both crucial for driverless operations.
Noise reduction was another priority for Continental. By minimizing external rolling sounds, the aContact tires help ensure a quieter ride—an important factor for passenger comfort in robotaxis and shuttle services.
Driving the Future of Autonomous Transportation
The launch of the aContact line reflects Continental’s long-term focus on preparing tire technology for the mobility of the future. The company has studied how innovative vehicle concepts, from lightweight electrics to fully self-steering cars, influence tire requirements. With artificial intelligence now managing the driving process, tires must deliver consistent, predictable performance across varied conditions.
By tailoring tire technology to the needs of autonomous fleets, Continental is enabling safer, more efficient, and more sustainable mobility solutions. The aContact line represents a crucial step in ensuring that the shift toward driverless transportation is smooth, reliable, and ready for everyday use.
