Hankook to launch new iON range of EV tyres

Hankook Tire has said it will later this year launch its first range of tyres specially designed for high performance, premium electric vehicles.

According to Hankook, its new iON tyre range will further reduce rolling resistance, notably lower rolling-noise characteristics and high resilience – meaning greater range per battery charge and an overall more enjoyable driving experience.

In addition, the new Hankook iON tyres are particularly designed for the instant high torques produced by powerful electric vehicles.

The iON products will initially be available in three designs and in sizes between 18 and 22 inches; in Europe from May 2022 as the Hankook Ventus iON S summer tyre pattern, and from September 2022 for the winter as the Hankook Winter i*cept iON.

The Hankook Ventus iON A tyre will be available as an all-season version for the North American market.

Sooil Lee, CEO & president of Hankook Tire & Technology said: “With the introduction of this new iON tyre family, our company is increasingly considering the rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles and the associated need for suitable tyres, also in terms of the need for replacements.

“With an improved range per battery charge, this new generation of tyres will help to further optimise the efficiency of electric vehicles in everyday use.”

Hankook is already one of the world’s leading original equipment tyre manufacturers for electric vehicles. Its tyres are already being used as OE by Audi, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen and other leading EV brands.

The tyre maker says its new iON tyres meet the demanding everyday requirements of EVs thanks to an extensive set of technical measures. In particular, Hankook says has countered the higher vehicle mass of electric vehicles – caused by the considerable weight of the drive batteries – with a higher load capacity.

Among other things, ultra-resistant aramid fibres effectively counteract the deformation forces caused by the especially high torque in EVs. The tread compound, which features a high proportion of natural resin, also ensures exemplary durability and reduced wear.

Another special feature of the new compound according to Hankook is its high proportion of natural oils. This not only makes the iON products more sustainable overall, but also has a positive effect on the mileage of the tyres.

Another development goal was to make tyres that would operate as quietly as possible. The Hankook ‘Sound absorber’ in combination with the specific pattern design integrated into the company’s iON products reduces the interior noise significantly.

The new Hankook iON summer tyre has already achieved an A/A/A rating on the EU tyre label. This corresponds to the highest performance in terms of rolling resistance, wet grip and tyre noise.