Formula E replica racer shows off Hankook’s EV-specific iON tyre

Hankook had a stand at last weekend’s Melbourne EV show with a replica third-generation Formula E car in full Hankook livery to draw attention to the tyre maker’s new model line developed with battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars in mind.

Launched earlier this year in Australia, Hankook says its iON tyre range has been developed for electric vehicles specifically. Hankook separates the range into iON Evo AS, for passenger cars, and Evo AS SUV for battery-powered SUVs. Available in 10 sizes spanning 18- to 22-inches, iONs are fitted as standard equipment on the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Supplying the control tyre for the Formula E racing series gives Hankook a unique insight into the demands electric vehicles put through their rubber, and the iON series takes learnings in its construction.

With the brand’s ‘EVolution’ high silica, eco-friendly compound the iON is said to offer reduced rolling resistance – meaning longer driving range – as well as improved tyre life compared to Hankook’s regular tyres.

2

The Hankook iON Evo AS for electric passenger cars

Knurling on the inside of the tyres helps reduce road noise. Hankook calls this technology its ‘Sound Absorber’ and is crucial without noise from a combustion engine to offset the roar of the tarmac beneath.

To deal with additional loads and the unique placement of an EV’s weight in the chassis, the iON Evo range is 25 per cent stiffer laterally and 20 per cent stiffer in cornering than Hankook’s traditional all-season touring tyres.

“We take great pride in presenting the world’s inaugural EV-exclusive tire line, iON, at the Melbourne EV Car Show”, said Hankook Australia managing director Junghee Cho.

“With cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly materials, iON tires not only offer superior performance but also contribute to a sustainable driving experience, delivering reduced noise levels, heightened load-bearing capacity, responsiveness to higher torque, and minimized rolling resistance”, Cho added.

Visit the Hankook website's EV hub to see iON sizes, prices and retailers [↗]