For more than 80 years, Hankook has been at the forefront of tyre innovation, catering to everything from electric vehicles to high-performance racing machines. The South Korean manufacturer’s latest offering, the iON electric vehicle (EV) tyre range, exemplifies their commitment to durability, comfort, and performance, all while enhancing the driving range of EVs.
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Hankook’s iON tyres are specifically designed to address the unique demands of electric vehicles, including higher torque, increased vehicle weight, and the need for lower rolling resistance. These tyres are engineered to perform reliably in various conditions, from light snow to heavy rain, making them a versatile choice for EV owners.
The company collaborates closely with around 50 vehicle manufacturers, working hand-in-hand to engineer tyres that meet the exacting standards of today’s electric vehicles. Hankook’s development process involves rigorous testing, ensuring that their products not only meet but often exceed the capabilities of new concept vehicles. This partnership with automakers helps define the benchmarks for performance, safety, and comfort, which are then applied to both original equipment (OE) tyres and the company’s aftermarket offerings.
Hankook’s approach to aftermarket tyres is informed by the same high standards set for their OE products. This means that when it’s time to replace your EV’s tyres, you’re getting a product that has been engineered with the latest technology and materials, just as the vehicle manufacturers intended. Hankook’s extensive experience in the industry ensures that their tyres deliver the comfort, efficiency, and longevity that customers demand.
Electric vehicles are notorious for exerting high torque and weight on tyres, leading to faster wear and potential damage. However, Hankook’s close collaboration with OEMs has allowed them to design tyres that withstand these pressures while providing a smooth and efficient driving experience.
A standout in Hankook’s EV range is the iON Evo AS, which offers a 50,000-mile warranty and a 30-day free trial. This tyre is designed to last, boasting a 25% longer tread life than many competing products. It also delivers a 29% noise reduction, a 6.3% increase in battery range, and a 20% improvement in driving stability, all thanks to Hankook’s advanced engineering.
EVs typically wear tyres up to 20% faster than internal combustion engine vehicles, often unevenly. Hankook’s Round Even Technology ensures uniform contact with the road, preventing premature or uneven wear. Additionally, the Hankook Noise Proof Technology incorporates sound-absorbing materials and a specialized tread pattern to cut road noise by up to 9 decibels, creating a quieter cabin environment.
One of the challenges with low rolling-resistance tyres is that they can sometimes compromise handling and braking performance due to stiffer sidewalls. Hankook addresses this with its Grip Boost technology, which optimizes sidewall stiffness while maintaining cornering and lateral rigidity, providing a tyre that balances both efficiency and performance.
While it might be tempting to opt for any tyre that fits your EV, dedicated EV tyres like the iON Evo AS are specifically designed to match the unique demands of these vehicles. High-performance summer tyres, for example, may offer impressive acceleration but wear much faster and generate more noise, while also reducing your vehicle’s range.
When it comes to safety, tread depth is crucial. Tyres must have a tread depth of at least 2/32 inches to meet safety standards in the United States. Hankook tyres come with wear indicators, also known as wear bars, to help you easily determine when it’s time for a replacement. Additionally, a quick visual inspection for damage, such as nails or gouges in the sidewall, can prevent potential blowouts and ensure your safety on the road.
Choosing Hankook for your EV tyre replacement gives you the confidence that your tyres have been meticulously tested, often with your specific vehicle model in mind. The iON tyres not only meet stringent safety standards but also offer improved driving range, reduced road noise, and longer tread life. This means more miles between replacements and a more comfortable driving experience, ultimately saving you money and keeping you on the road longer.
