Unlock Your EV’s Potential: Hankook shares the Importance of EV-Specific Tyres
Electric vehicles are revolutionising our roads, promising a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient driving experience. But beneath the sleek design and cutting-edge technology lies a critical component often overlooked: the tyres.
“While they may seem like a standard feature, fitting your EV with tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles can significantly impact performance and driving comfort,” explains Mark Eatwell, Technical Services Manager at Hankook Tyre UK.
As more drivers make the switch to electric, understanding the unique demands placed on EV tyres – and the benefits of choosing the right ones – is becoming increasingly important.
What are EV tyres?
While many EV owners may assume that any high-quality tyre will suffice, the unique demands of electric vehicles mean that tyres specifically designed for EVs provide significant benefits. According to Mark: “The performance demands of EVs, such as their instant torque, heavier weight, and focus on efficiency, are unique. EV tyres are expertly designed to meet these demands, helping to optimise the range while safely distributing the additional weight and transferring the immediate torque to the road.”
From improved efficiency to enhanced durability, here are the top reasons Hankook recommends fitting EV-specific tyres to your electric vehicle:
Extended range
EV tyres, like the Hankook iON range, have lower rolling resistance compared to standard tyres. They are designed to roll more smoothly than regular tyres, which helps the car use less energy and go further on a single charge, helping you to boost your EV’s range with each journey.
A quieter journey
An advantage of EVs is that they are quieter than their ICE counterparts. Given the near-silent operation, road noise from tyres becomes much more noticeable. EV tyres often feature cutting-edge noise-dampening technology, providing a quieter, more enjoyable ride.
Enhanced weight handling
With battery packs making EVs heavier than their petrol or diesel counterparts, specialised EV tyres are reinforced to manage this extra weight, offering better stability and reliability. “Specifically designed for the heavier weight of electric vehicles, Hankook’s new tyres feature enhanced load distribution across the entire tread. This ensures greater stability and a safer driving experience for EV owners.”
Instant torque, maximum grip
Electric cars accelerate quickly, which can wear down regular tyres much faster. That’s why EVs need specially designed tyres that can handle the extra power, giving you better grip and smoother acceleration. EV-specific tyres are engineered to handle this instant torque.
Built to last
EV tyres are designed to meet the increased demands of EV driving. With advanced materials and construction, tyres like the Hankook iON wear slower than standard tyres, saving EV owners money over time.
As Mark adds: “Safety is the top priority for road vehicles – there must be no compromise in this regard. Combining innovation and performance, EV tyres are engineered to enhance range, reduce noise, and provide safety under all conditions. Whether you’re commuting in the city or heading out on a road trip, this will optimise the driving experience for EV owners.”
Hankook’s iON range is the first tyre family in the world with a complete line-up exclusively for electric vehicles covering both battery and plug-in hybrid models. The iON innovative technology comprises four key tyre components including i Sound Absorber (Noise), i Super Mileage (Wear), i Perfect Grip (Grip), and i Extreme Lightness (LRR).
