The electric vehicle tire with 43% recycled materials
Continental has recently unveiled an experimental tire incorporating approximately 43% recycled materials, specifically designed for electric vehicles. This prototype was developed within the framework of the European ZEvRA project, an initiative funded by the European Union that aims to promote a circular economy in the battery electric vehicle sector. The project brings together 28 partners from various areas of the industry.
ZEvRA, an acronym for "Zero Emission Electric Vehicles Enabled by Harmonized Circularity," is a project that will conclude in 2026 after two years of work. The project's purpose is to examine how the use of materials and components can be optimized throughout the electric vehicle value chain in order to reduce resource consumption and, consequently, promote reuse and recycling.
The difficulty of scaling up the concept.
One of the main challenges to overcome in developing this type of tire is the availability of recycled materials on an industrial scale. Given this situation, Continental believes it is necessary to establish common standards to determine which materials can be considered recycled and under what conditions. The company requires stable supply chains and internationally coordinated procedures to ensure that these materials can reach manufacturers in sufficient quantities.
According to Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability for Continental's Tire division, the goal must go beyond prototypes: "The next step is to establish innovative recycling technologies on an industrial scale and create closed material flows. This measure is crucial to driving the transition to a circular economy that is both resource-friendly and environmentally responsible."
The ZEvRA tire is not limited to the use of recycled materials; it also incorporates approximately 13% components from renewable raw materials and an additional 25% of materials certified through the mass balance system. In general terms, more than 80% of the materials used in the production process come from one of these three sources.
“It would be advisable to develop a standardized approach to calculation and reporting through close dialogue between policymakers and stakeholders. If implemented through regulation, it is crucial that this be simple, transparent, and easy for consumers to understand, in order to promote tangible progress rather than create unnecessary bureaucracy,” Almeida concludes.
