Hankook Tire America Corp. is bringing its first tires specifically made for electric vehicles to the U.S. Combined, the iON evo AS and iON evo AS SUV are available in 26 sizes, for wheels ranging from 18 inches to 22 inches in diameter.
The tires are built with Hankook’s "EVolution" technology, which focuses on tread wear, noise reduction and grip performance for EVs.
“The North American EV segment is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the automotive industry,” says Rob Williams, senior vice president of sales in North America for Hankook. “The iON evo AS and iON evo AS SUV demonstrate Hankook’s industry-leading research and development to create tires that are designed, from the ground up, for the unique needs of EVs. At a time when more drivers are making the switch to electric, these tires are built to deliver the very best in mileage, comfort, and performance for EVs that drivers have come to expect from Hankook’s range of tires.”
Both tires are built with the tiremaker's "EVolution" compound, which contains high-concentration silica, along with eco-friendly materials. It is designed to spread road pressure evenly across the tread to extend tire life. Hankook says its curing technology and advanced compound also reduce rolling resistance, which extends mileage.
To combat road and wind noise, the iON evo AS and iON evo AS SUV tires have Hankook's sound absorber technology. The tiremaker says, "Knurling technology inside the tire grooves reduces tread pattern noise, while optimized multi-pitch sequencing and noise-absorbing material inside the tire cavity help to further reduce cabin noise."
The EV tires are built to bear the added weight of a vehicle's battery packs. Hankook says its EV Contour technology improve lateral rigidity by 25% and cornering rigidity by 20% compared to all-season touring tires. Along with three-dimensional sipes on the main treads, the tires grip both wet and dry surfaces, and in light snow conditions.
The Hankook iON evo AS SUV is available in 20 sizes, ranging from 18 to 22 inches, while the iON evo AS is available in six sizes, ranging from 18 to 21 inches. Both tires come with a 50,000-mileage warranty.
“The iON evo AS and iON evo AS SUV were developed for the EV driver that wants to maximize their driving experience without sacrificing the unique benefits of this new class of vehicle,” says Kijong Kil, vice president of RE Development. “Hankook’s EVolution technology, Hankook Sound Absorber and EV Contour Technology come together as the basis for an innovative, all-season tire that delivers outstanding results for EVs.”
The Hankook iON evo AS and iON evo AS SUV are the company's first EV tires from the iON family available in the U.S. Hankook says its recent survey of American drivers shows 46% of Americans plan to buy or lease an EV in the next five years.
In January 2023, Hankook's EV tire technology will make its racing debut in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
