SEOUL, South Korea — Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. has introduced a second-generation electric vehicle tire, the Kinergy AS EV, which the tire maker said offers improved handling and noise reduction optimized for the newest electric vehicles (EVs).
The Kinergy AS EV is engineered to meet the specifications of EVs, which have no engine noise, making road and tire noise more noticeable. With a feel similar to that of an ultra-high-performance tire, the Kinergy AS EV provides a noise environment suitable for EVs, Hankook said.
Compared with internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs have lower engine noise, higher initial acceleration and bodies that weigh 10 to 20 percent more, so the Kinergy AS EV was designed with those attributes in mind.
It features an aramid hybrid reinforcement belt and employs an extra-load reinforcement structure, allowing little or no increase in diameter, even in high-speed driving. Hankook also said the tires minimize tread block distortion when changing direction, which helps to maintain optimum grip force, handling and stability.
The tire also features an "Aqua Pine" compound, which includes resin extracted from conifers and environmentally friendly vegetable oil. Hankook claims that the new compound improves wet grip and braking in diverse road conditions. This improves driving stability while reducing tire slip and minimizing tread abrasion to deliver the power of the electric motor and initial acceleration with no loss.
The Kinergy AS EV will be available in South Korea this year, and Hankook is expecting to launch the tires globally next year.
Pricing information was not available.