German technology company Continental has again expanded its solution portfolio for electric vehicles, developing the New Wheel Concept to meet the specific requirements of these vehicles.
The wheel rim consists of two aluminum (Al) parts, the inner Al carrier star with the Al brake disc and the outer Al rim well with the tire. In contrast to conventional wheel brakes, the New Wheel Concept brake engages the Al disc from the inside. This allows it to have a particularly large diameter, which benefits the braking performance.
To increase the electric vehicle’s range, deceleration in the EV generates as much electricity as possible through recuperation (braking using the electric motor), so the wheel brake is used less frequently. The corrosion-free Al brake disc also prevents the formation of rust (as is normal on cast-iron discs), which can impair the braking effect.
Thanks to the lightweight material, Continental’s New Wheel Concept reduces the weight of the wheel and brake, enabling lightweight construction in EVs. Advantages of the concept are much easier wheel and brake pad changes, and that the disk is not subject to wear. 
Check out three cool technologies at the Continental TechShow 2017.
