New White Paper on electric mobility: Tires and the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets in Europe

Hanover, Germany, June 19, 2025. With its new “Electric Mobility for Commercial Vehicles,” white paper Continental offers journalists, fleet operators, and the general public an overview of the state of electrification of trucks, buses, and vans in Europe. The publication highlights key challenges and opportunities on the road to climate-neutral transportation—from the role of modern tire solutions to battery technologies and charging infrastructure. Contributions from experts and users explain the challenges and tasks that lie ahead on the road to climate-neutral logistics. An open letter recently written by 150 companies to the European Commission highlights the importance of decarbonization. The companies are collectively calling for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU of at least 90 percent by 2040. This is because the decarbonization of economies will improve resilience, energy security, and competitiveness. 

Tires play a central role in reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing the efficiency of commercial vehicle fleets. “When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, battery-electric trucks already have a clear climate advantage over vehicles with combustion engines and fuel cell trucks,” says Martin Schmied, Head of the Environmental Planning and Sustainability Strategies Division at the German Federal Environment Agency. This advantage will become even greater in the future with the further expansion of renewable energies. With the fifth generation of Conti Efficient Pro and Conti Eco tire lines, fleet operators can significantly reduce the fuel consumption of their vehicles. “This reduces CO₂ emissions and saves costs,” emphasizes Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development EMEA at Continental. “Optimized rolling resistance and high mileage have a positive impact on the ecological footprint.”

White paper offers in-depth insights

The 38-page white paper contains expert articles, interviews, infographics, and statistics. The first chapter provides background information on EU emission standards, toll regulations, the e-commercial vehicle fleet in the EU, subsidy programs, and battery technology. Discussions with the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), the German Federal Environment Agency, and development partner and battery specialist Designwerk round out the introduction.

Tire solutions for sustainable logistics

The following chapters focus on Continental's commercial vehicle tire lines. They show how premium tires contribute to reducing emissions and improving fleet efficiency. “Our tire lines, such as the new Conti Efficient Pro HS 5/HD 5, are ideal for fleet managers who prioritize both efficiency and safety,” says Hinnerk Kaiser. “This tire is a milestone for fleets that are already committed to electric mobility and sustainability.”

Electric mobility has long been a reality. In the fourth chapter, European fleet operators and freight forwarders report on how they are holding their own in a cost-driven market – through the right choice of tires and digital solutions. “We are convinced that electric mobility is the future of the transport industry,” says Hubert Schlager, Managing Director of Schlager Transporte Logistik in Austria. The Danish company DFDS has also been relying on tire solutions from Continental for years: “We want to drive forward the transition to more sustainable road transport and show that emission-free transport is already a viable solution today,” reports Niklas Anderson, Executive Vice President Logistic Division at the Danish transport company DFDS.

Click here for the “Electric on the road – electric mobility for commercial vehicles” white paper.