Hankook unveils high-performance EV tire line

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Hankook Tire America Corp. has unveiled a pair of tires designed for high-performance electric vehicles (EVs), the iON evo and iON evo SUV.

The tires are designed to deliver performance in summer conditions for high-performance EVs and are built with Hankook's proprietary iON technology that focuses on treadwear, noise reduction and grip performance for EVs.

"Our newest iON tires deliver impressive performance and reliability without compromising the unique features that electric vehicles require," Hankook Tire America President Rob Williams said.

"Following the launch of our first iON all-season tires in the fall, ... These new products meet the demands of high-performance electric cars and SUVs in summer conditions, when drivers can most enjoy the open road and get the most out of their vehicles.

"With iON evo and iON evo SUV, drivers who have made the switch to electric can count on Hankook to continue delivering impressive mileage, performance, and comfort for their EVs on those long summer days, no matter what conditions they face."

EVs place demands on their tires that differ from from those with internal-combustion engines, the company noted, with increased weight from heavier battery packs creating greater wear-causing stress; instantaneous power delivery requiring improved traction, steering and braking performance; and rolling resistance that needs to be reduced to maximize battery life.

The lack of a powertrain means that road noise is far more prevalent, necessitating noise-proof technology to improve cabin comfort.

Hankook claims the new iON tires offer:

• Advanced handling and grip on wet surfaces and the ability to bear the greater initial torque that EVs deliver. EV "Grip Boost" technology increases cornering stiffness by 10%, while aramid fiber is used in the casing to improve steering performance and enhanced shoulder blocks offer "optimized" rigidity and "maximum" road contact, the company said. Optimized groove sizes help improve water drainage performance and expanding grooves help secure wet performance without compromising road noise.
• The tires are built with Hankook's "ProDurable Compound," composed of high-concentration silica and eco-friendly materials, to spread road pressure evenly and extend tire life, while providing healthier tire conditions. The tires are also engineered to spread ground pressure evenly to provide longer usage and less replacement.
• The tires feature Hankook's "iExtremeLightness" technology, which provides extended range and lower rolling resistance, Hankook said.
• The new tires feature noise-reducing technology to account for the increased road and wind noise that can occur in EVs due to the lack of an ICE powertrain. Hankook said its engineers have built these new tires with optimized multi-pitch sequencing to minimize tread pattern noise, reducing cabin noise by 18% versus regular tires.

"The acceleration in the performance EV market means that drivers are looking for tires that maximize their experience during the varied conditions that summer driving can bring," Kijong Kil, vice president of RE development, Hankook Tire, said.

"iON evo and iON evo SUV expand Hankook's offering for EV owners seeking the best performance from their vehicles while getting the best out of the electric cars and SUVs they drive. We're confident that these new products deliver the outstanding electric performance that is a hallmark of the iON lineup."

The Hankook iON evo SUV is available in eight sizes covering 18- to 22-inch rim diameters, while the iON evo is available in eight sizes ranging covering 18- to 21-inch diameters. Both tires come with a 30-day free trial.

Pricing information was not disclosed.