Electric vehicles (EVs) are celebrated for their smooth, quiet rides. However, this near-silent driving experience poses unique challenges for tyre manufacturers. Hankook Tire America Corp. Product Manager Moonki Cho recently discussed how tyres for EVs require innovative designs to address issues like noise reduction, increased wear due to added weight, and the impact of instantaneous torque delivery.
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One significant difference between electric and combustion vehicles is weight. EVs, with their heavy lithium-ion battery packs, weigh 30% more than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. This additional weight accelerates tyre wear by up to 20%, requiring durable materials and advanced designs to handle the strain.
Moreover, EVs deliver instantaneous torque, putting additional stress on tyres during acceleration. Traditional tyre compounds and structures struggle to meet these demands, pushing manufacturers to adopt innovative materials such as Aramid fibre. Known for its strength, Aramid reinforces tyre integrity, reducing deformation and ensuring even pressure distribution for longer-lasting performance.
In ICE vehicles, the engine accounts for around 50% of cabin noise, masking road and tyre sounds. In EVs, however, the absence of engine noise makes tyre sounds far more noticeable, turning "tire drone" into a potential distraction.
Hankook addresses this with Sound Absorber Technology, which uses lightweight, open-cell polyurethane foam inside the tyre. This foam reduces cavity resonance—the amplification of vibrations within the tyre’s hollow structure—by up to 9 dB, creating a quieter cabin environment.
Additional innovations include:
Hankook’s advancements in EV tyre technology are not only solving immediate challenges but also shaping a new standard for quiet, efficient driving. By tackling the trifecta of weight, wear, and noise, these innovations ensure that EV tyres provide durability and comfort while maintaining energy efficiency—key for maximising battery range.
As Moonki Cho emphasises, quieter cars demand quieter tyres, and tyre manufacturers are stepping up to meet this unique challenge.
Why are EV tyres different from ICE tyres?
EVs are heavier and deliver instantaneous torque, requiring tyres that are more durable and noise-reducing.
What innovations reduce tyre noise?
Hankook employs technologies like Sound Absorber foam, multi-pitch sequencing, and knurling to minimise noise.
What material enhances EV tyre performance?
Aramid fibre, five times stronger than steel, is used for structural reinforcement.
How much noise reduction does Hankook’s foam provide?
Up to 9 dB, significantly improving cabin quietness.
