Hankook unveils a tyre developed specifically for electric SUVs

The South Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook has just announced a new addition to its iON product line, designed specifically for electric vehicles. The new iON HT is a tyre developed especially for light commercial vehicles and large electric-powered SUVs. The company says that with this new product in its range it aims to meet the needs of a growing market, offering optimised performance for this type of vehicle.

The iON HT, whose name comes from “Highway-Terrain“, is designed for motorway driving with low rolling resistance, which significantly reduces energy consumption. In addition, Hankook highlights the exceptional comfort it offers when driving and its longer durability thanks to its robustness and stability.

Hankook offers the tyre that best suits each type of vehicle

Valid for any season of the year, this tyre has an “XL” load rating, which allows light commercial electric vehicles to carry additional loads without compromising performance under normal conditions of use. Likewise, this same feature allows it to address the challenge posed by the additional weight of battery packs in electric SUVs, guaranteeing reliable performance.

On the other hand, the problem of particulate pollution generated by heavy vehicles, especially in urban environments, is a matter of concern. Stop-and-go traffic in cities contributes to air pollution, and electric vehicles, although more sustainable, are not completely exempt due to the weight of their batteries. That said, it is also true that this is largely offset by the fact that they tend to use the braking system much less than an equivalent combustion vehicle, as they can recover energy. In any case, according to Hankook, the iON HT tyres could help mitigate particle emissions to some extent.

“Electric vehicles, especially in the categories of light vans and large SUVs, present unique challenges for tyres. The iON HT was developed from scratch to deliver exceptional performance in these vehicles, reflecting the innovation our iON line represents in the industry.”

Hankook’s iON series, launched in 2022, is characterised by low rolling resistance, quiet behaviour and the ability to withstand the high levels of torque of electric vehicles. The range includes summer, winter and all-season tyres, available in sizes from 18 to 22 inches. The iON HT, which will be available from August, will complement the manufacturer’s offering of tyres developed specifically for electric vehicles from that date onwards.