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Hankook iON: New Global Family of Tyres for EVs

H specially designed for high performance, premium elec- tric vehicles (EVs).
Characteristics of the new iON tyre development include further reduced rolling resistance, notably lower rolling-noise character- istics and high resilience. Compared to conventional tyres, this means more range per battery charge and an overall more en- joyable driving experience for EV drivers. In addition, the new Hankook iON products are particularly designed for the instant high torques produced by powerful electric vehicles.
The iON products will initially be available in three designs at the market launch, in sizes between 18 and 22 inches: in Europe from May 2022 as the Hankook Ventus iON S summer tire pat- tern, and from September 2022 for the winter as the Hankook Winter i*cept iON. The Hankook Ventus iON A tyre will be avail- able as an all-season version for the North American market.
Sooil Lee, CEO & President of Hankook Tire & Technology says, “With the introduction of this new iON tyre family, our company is increasingly considering the rapidly growing demand for elec- tric vehicles and the associated need for suitable tyres, also in terms of the need for replacements. With an improved range per battery charge, this new generation of tyres will help to further
14 the tyreman 2022/6
According to forecasts by the information service IHS Markit, the global share of battery-powered electric automobiles in total vehicle sales will increase by 36.6 percent annually, from the current 6.4 percent market share to 29.5 percent by 2028. Because Hankook iON tyres make it possible to drive more kilometres per battery -
The new iON tyres meet the demanding everyday requirements for EV tyres, thanks to an extensive set of technical measures. In particular, Hankook has countered the higher vehicle mass of electric vehicles – caused by the considerable weight of the drive batteries – with a higher load capacity. Among other things, ul- forces caused by the especially high torque in electric vehicles. The tread compound, which features a high proportion of natural resin, also ensures exemplary durability and reduced wear. An- other special feature of the new compound is its high proportion of natural oils. This not only makes the iON products more sustaina-
Optimised noise level
Another development goal was to make tyres that would operate as quietly as possible. The Hankook Sound absorber in combi- -