The Benefits of Upgrading Your EV’s Original Tires

Upgrade Your EV Experience: Why Hankook’s iON Tires are Superior to Stock Options

When you purchase a new car, it usually comes with so-called "stock" tires—those installed by the manufacturer. These stock configurations are designed to meet the minimum viable requirements, ensuring the vehicle is road-ready. However, they may not always be the best choice for an optimal driving experience. This is particularly true for electric vehicles (EVs), where more specialized solutions like Hankook’s iON tires can make a world of difference.

The Limitations of Stock Tires

Stock tires are typically adequate for the first few tens of thousands of miles. Yet, few car owners opt to replace their tires with the same stock versions once they wear out. The reason is simple: aftermarket tires often outperform stock ones in almost every aspect. Companies like Hankook specialize in tire manufacturing, leveraging extensive research and expertise to create superior products.

The EV-Specific Challenge

As EVs continue to gain popularity, manufacturers are still grappling with what makes an ideal EV-specific tire. The requirements for EV tires differ significantly from those of traditional gas-powered vehicles. Factors like lower noise, higher load support, better response to higher torque, and reduced rolling resistance come into play. While many tire manufacturers struggle to meet these needs, Hankook has risen to the challenge impressively.

Hankook’s Legacy and Innovation

Founded in 1941, Hankook Tire has evolved into a global titan in tire manufacturing, producing over 100 million tires annually. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with a nearby manufacturing facility in Clarksville, the company is a leader in tire technology. Hankook is not just about quantity; the company prides itself on innovation and excellence, as indicated by their mission statement: “We will indulge in tireless research, wage a fearless battle, and embrace daring innovation to lay out high technologies that will define the global mobility industry.”

With a workforce of 20,000 and five dedicated research and development centers, Hankook has engineered the iON line of tires specifically for EVs.

The iON Advantage

The iON line addresses four primary needs unique to EVs:

1. Lower Noise Levels: The iON tires are quieter than traditional tires, thanks to their unique tread patterns and sound-absorbing materials. The inclusion of knurling within the main grooves and side grooves that widen towards the tire’s edge help reduce noise. Additionally, sound-absorbing materials inside the tire enhance noise reduction further.

2. Higher Load Support: EVs are generally heavier than their gasoline-powered counterparts, which poses a challenge for tire strength. Hankook has developed a proprietary ProDurable Compound for the iON tires, incorporating high-concentration silica and eco-friendly compounds to create highly durable rubber. The Round Even technology further ensures the tire’s longevity by maintaining even ground pressure.

3. Better Response to Higher Torque: EVs often have higher torque levels, necessitating tires with superior traction. The iON tires achieve a balanced combination of low rolling resistance and high grip through advanced tread patterns and rubber compounds.

4. Lower Rolling Resistance: Using natural resin in the tire’s tread mixture not only makes the iON tires more durable but also reduces friction. The incorporation of natural oils boosts ecological sustainability while improving tread wear resistance, resulting in lighter tires that enhance efficiency and range.

Independent Verdicts and Real-World Performance

How do these advanced features translate into real-world performance? According to TÜV SÜD, a respected testing and certification organization, Hankook’s iON evo AS tire outperformed other leading EV-specific tires, excelling in categories such as dry and wet braking, lateral grip, and rolling resistance.

Auto Bild, Germany’s foremost automotive magazine, also praised the iON evo summer tire, awarding it a "Very Good" rating in its Reifencheck tire test. The tire was commended for balancing high performance with excellent safety and low rolling resistance.

To bolster their claims, Hankook backs the iON tires with a 50,000-mile warranty against premature wear. Additionally, the company offers a 30-day trial period, allowing customers to experience the benefits firsthand.

The Ultimate Test: Formula E

Not only are iON tires gaining traction among everyday drivers, but they have also made their mark in the world of motorsport. Hankook became the official tire supplier for Formula E, the all-electric open-wheel racing series, demonstrating the performance and reliability of iON tires even under extreme conditions.

A Fit for Every EV

With an extensive range of 210 sizes across seven product lines—including all-season, summer, winter, and performance variants—Hankook ensures there’s an iON tire for nearly every electric vehicle on the market. By the end of 2024, the company plans to expand this to 259 sizes, rendering iON tires compatible with virtually every EV in the United States.

Conclusion

In the fast-evolving EV landscape, upgrading your stock tires to a set of Hankook’s iON tires can substantially improve your driving experience. From better range to enhanced durability and quieter rides, iON tires offer unmatched benefits that stock tires simply can’t compete with.

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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi