Hankook’s iON range of tyres has been developed specifically for electric vehicles, addressing key challenges including driving range, road noise, increased vehicle weight and the instant torque produced by electric motors.
Unlike conventional tyres, EV-specific tyres must cope with heavier vehicle weights and higher torque while maintaining grip, stability, comfort and durability. Hankook’s iON range incorporates specialised technologies designed to meet these requirements.
Improved EV Range and Efficiency
Rolling resistance plays an important role in electric vehicle efficiency because energy is lost as tyres flex and deform while travelling. Higher rolling resistance can increase energy consumption and reduce driving range.
Hankook’s iON tyres use low-rolling-resistance compounds and the company’s Opti Cure Technology to create a more consistent contact patch and distribute loads more evenly.
According to Hankook, the iON range can improve EV efficiency by up to 8% compared with conventional tyres, helping electric vehicles achieve greater driving range.
Reduced Road Noise
With electric vehicles producing significantly less powertrain noise than conventional cars, tyre and road noise becomes more noticeable inside the cabin.
Hankook’s iON tyres feature a variable-pitch tread pattern designed to distribute tyre noise across multiple frequencies. Selected tyres also incorporate Sound Absorber technology, using a polyurethane foam insert to reduce cavity resonance.
The technology can reduce tyre noise by up to 6 dBA, supporting a quieter and more refined EV driving experience.
Designed for Heavier Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are generally heavier than comparable petrol and diesel vehicles because of their battery packs, placing additional demands on tyres.
Hankook’s iON range uses reinforced casings and high-strength aramid belt construction to cope with increased loads. Hankook says the technology can improve cornering stiffness by up to 20% compared with conventional tyres.
The reinforced construction is designed to improve stability, braking performance and tyre wear while maintaining ride comfort.
Built to Handle Instant EV Torque
Electric motors can deliver maximum torque almost instantly, placing additional stress on tyres during acceleration.
Hankook’s iON tyres use EV-specific tread compounds designed to balance grip and durability. Their reinforced construction helps reduce deformation during hard acceleration, improving traction and promoting more even tread wear.
With EV adoption continuing to grow, specialised tyre technology is becoming increasingly important as manufacturers and component suppliers focus on improving efficiency, range, safety and driving performance.
