Continental AG's New White Paper on Electric Mobility in Europe

Continental AG, a global leader in tire manufacturing and automotive technology, has released a significant white paper titled "Electric Mobility for Commercial Vehicles," which was published on June 19, 2025. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets across Europe. It discusses critical challenges and opportunities that the transport industry must navigate to achieve climate-neutral logistics, emphasizing the integral role of modern tire technology, battery advancements, and charging infrastructure.

The white paper is timely, coinciding with a growing call from 150 companies urging the European Commission to implement policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 90% by 2040. This initiative underlines the pressing need for decarbonization in the transportation sector, which is essential for enhancing energy security, resilience, and global competitiveness.

According to Martin Schmied, Head of the Environmental Planning and Sustainability Strategies Division at the German Federal Environment Agency, "Battery-electric trucks already possess a clear climate advantage over traditional combustion engine vehicles and fuel cell trucks, a disparity that is projected to widen with the continued expansion of renewable energy sources." This perspective highlights the urgency for fleet operators to transition towards electric vehicles, which are already demonstrating substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions compared to their fossil-fuel counterparts.

The white paper consists of 38 pages filled with technical articles, infographics, and insights from industry experts. Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development EMEA at Continental, states, "Tires play a crucial role in enhancing vehicle efficiency and reducing emissions. Our fifth-generation Conti Efficient Pro and Conti Eco tire lines are designed to significantly lower the fuel consumption of commercial vehicle fleets, leading to both cost savings and a smaller ecological footprint."

Additionally, the document provides a thorough analysis of EU emission standards, toll regulations, and subsidy programs, which are essential for fleet managers considering the transition to electric mobility. Contributions from organizations such as the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and battery technology experts from Designwerk further enrich the report, offering a well-rounded perspective on the current state of electrification in the transport sector.

Fleet operators who have already embraced electric mobility share their experiences in the latter chapters of the white paper. Hubert Schlager, Managing Director of Schlager Transporte Logistik in Austria, remarks, "We firmly believe that electric mobility is the future of the transport industry." Similarly, Niklas Anderson, Executive Vice President of the Logistic Division at the Danish transport company DFDS, asserts that their ongoing commitment to sustainable transport solutions demonstrates that emissions-free transport is not only viable but already operational.

In summary, Continental AG's white paper serves as a crucial resource for stakeholders in the transport sector, providing insights into the necessary technological advancements and strategic decisions required to facilitate a smooth transition to electric mobility. As the industry moves towards a more sustainable future, the role of innovative tire solutions will be pivotal in achieving these goals, helping fleet operators to reduce their environmental impact and enhance overall efficiency.