Continental has announced the launch of the Conti Urban HA 5, the latest tyre designed specifically for urban transportation.
Urban Tyre Technology
Urban transport operators face a multitude of challenges, including varying road conditions, frequent stops, heavy traffic and the rising use of electric buses. Meeting these demands requires a tyre that combines durability, safety and efficiency. The electrification rate of urban bus fleets in the EU is steadily increasing.
As of 2023, approximately 18% of new urban buses registered in the EU were electric, and this trend is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Electric buses present unique challenges and requirements for tyres due to their higher torque and weight compared to traditional diesel-powered buses. The Conti Urban HA 5 addresses these specific needs with its robust construction and advanced materials that can withstand the increased demands.
“The Conti Urban HA 5 is a significant advancement in urban tyre technology,” said Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development EMEA at Continental. “We have designed a tyre that meets the practical needs of our customers. The new tread pattern and multi-pitch technology enhance wet performance and reduce the perceived noise, contributing to a safer and more comfortable ride.”
Conti Urban HA 5: High Mileage and Cost Efficiency
One of the primary concerns for urban bus fleets is tyre longevity. The Conti Urban HA 5 features an enhanced tread cap and base compound, specifically formulated for urban road conditions. This results in significantly higher mileage, reducing the frequency of tyre replacement. Fewer replacements mean lower overall costs for fleet operators, which is crucial in the high-demand, budget-conscious urban transport sector. By delivering high mileage, the tyre also helps reduce CO2 emissions, making it both an economical and environmentally friendly option.
Fuel efficiency and reduced emissions are vital for sustainable urban operations. The new tyre offers improved rolling resistance, which directly translates to better fuel efficiency. Lower rolling resistance reduces the energy required to move the vehicle, thus improving fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This is particularly beneficial for fleets integrating electric buses, as improved efficiency can extend battery life and reduce charging frequency.
Safety and Sustainability
Safety and comfort are key features of the Conti Urban HA 5. The robust tread pattern offers improved rolling resistance and mileage while maintaining wet performance. The multi-pitch technology helps reduce perceived noise, enhancing comfort for passengers and drivers. These enhancements ensure a safer and more pleasant experience, even in challenging weather conditions, which is essential for maintaining high levels of service reliability and customer satisfaction. As a result, the tyre has received an A-rating for noise on the EU tyre label, underscoring its performance.
The Conti Urban HA 5 has been designed with sustainability in mind. The tyre’s thick sidewall and robust compounds enhance durability following knocks against kerbs and other obstacles. The tyre’s design also supports retreading and recycling, extending its lifecycle and reducing the environmental impact.
Kaiser highlighted the sustainable aspects of the Conti Urban HA 5, stating, “The tyre’s design ensures a high level of durability and supports our ContiLifeCycle concept, which extends its lifecycle and reduces environmental impact. By focusing on sustainability, we aim to help our customers achieve their environmental goals while maintaining high performance.”
Digital Solutions
When equipped with ContiConnect sensors, which are available as an optional feature, the new tyre offers advanced digital tyre monitoring and its performance can be maximised. Fleet managers can access precise pressure and temperature data, enabling more efficient maintenance and reducing operational costs. This digital integration supports predictive maintenance and helps prevent unexpected downtimes, ensuring that fleets operate smoothly and efficiently, which is crucial for maintaining schedules in busy urban environments.
“The Conti Urban HA 5 has been developed with direct input from fleet managers and urban transport operators to address their most pressing needs,” added Kaiser. “These insights have highlighted the critical importance of several key performance areas: high mileage, low rolling resistance, and advanced digital monitoring capabilities.”
The label performance of the new tyre is currently taxonomy compliant. This means it meets the latest EU regulations for sustainability and environmental impact.
The Conti Urban HA 5 will be available starting September 2024 in the following dimensions: 275/70 R 22.5. The following sizes will be launched at a later date: 245/70 R 19.5, 265/70 R 19.5, 315/60 R 22.5.
