Hankook Tire will launch iON, designed for premium electric vehicles, in May 2022. The company said it wants to make a mobility transition towards zero-emission vehicles.Hankook Tire will launch iON, designed for premium electric vehicles, in May 2022. The company said it wants to make a mobility transition towards zero-emission vehicles.

Characteristics of the new iON tyre development include further reduced rolling resistance, notably lower rolling-noise characteristics and high resilience, the company said in a statement.

It claimed that 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 tyre pattern, and from September 2022 for the winter as the Hankook Winter i*cept iON. The Hankook Ventus iON A tyre will be available as an all-season version for the North American market.

Sooil Lee, CEO and President, Hankook Tire & Technology, said, “With the introduction of this new iON tyre family, our company is increasingly considering the rapidly growing demand for electric 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 optimize the efficiency of electric vehicles in everyday use.”

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.

The company said its 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, ultra-resistant aramid fibers effectively counteract the deformation 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. Another special feature of the new compound is its high proportion of natural oils. This not only makes the iON products more sustainable overall, but also has a positive effect on the mileage of the tyres, it pointed out.

Another development goal was to make tyres that would operate as quietly as possible. The Hankook Sound absorber in combination with the specific pattern design integrated into the company’s iON products reduces the interior noise significantly, it claimed.

Bonhee Ku, Executive Vice President and CTO, Hankook Tire, said, “We are particularly proud that the new Hankook iON summer tire, for example, has achieved an A/A/A rating on the EU tire label. This corresponds to the highest performance in terms of rolling resistance, wet grip and tire noise.” (TT)

Chinese automaker Zeekr has selected Continental's PremiumContact 6 tyres as original equipment (OE) for its Zeekr 001 electric sedan. The sedan will be fitted with 265/40 R22 106V XL FR size tyre, specially designed for dynamic and responsive handling while providing safety and comfort.

The tyres refined design guarantees control and strong cornering stability at higher speeds, while its superior grip performance guarantees efficient power transmission to the road. The tread's shape enables both precision steering and a fast reaction. Excellent safety and braking performance on both wet and dry roads are guaranteed by the unique silica rubber compound, which is made for safe driving in all weather situations. Additionally, the reduced rolling resistance contributes to longer battery life of the vehicle. Even on damp roads, the tyre provides excellent safety qualities, accurate handling and short stopping distances.

Continental's PremiumContact 6 tyre has been selected as original equipment (OE) by US car manufacturer Cadillac for its LYRIQ-V. The electric SUV will be factory-fitted with the premium tyre in size 22 inches.

At higher speeds, the PremiumContact 6's refined design offers control and strong cornering stability, and its superior grip performance guarantees that power is delivered to the road efficiently. Fast reaction and accurate steering are made possible by the circumferential groove design. The tyre's unique silica rubber formula ensures superior braking on both wet and dry roads, making it designed for safe driving in all weather situations. Furthermore, the reduced rolling resistance contributes to the vehicle’s longer battery life. The tyre also provides precise handling, low stopping distances and exceptional wet-weather qualities.

The main goals of Continental's tyre development are low rolling resistance, minimal rolling noise and high mileage. The tyre is safe, comfortable and made for dynamic, responsive driving. These characteristics are especially advantageous for electric vehicles like the LYRIQ-V. The tyres are made to handle the added weight of electric vehicles brought on by the battery because of their higher load index.

Global leading tyre company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) and renowned German luxury mobility brand BRABUS have unveiled a new brand film titled ‘Electrified, Hankook iON & BRABUS’. The video emphasises the two businesses' mutual love of cutting-edge technology and creative design principles for future transportation.

With this alliance, Hankook Tire and BRABUS are further solidifying their premium brand status. The two businesses are spearheading the electrification revolution in mobility with Hankook's world-first complete range of electric vehicle tyres, ‘iON’, and BRABUS's proficiency in customising high-performance electric vehicles. The iON evo SUV tyre consistently supports the fast, dynamic manoeuvrability of BRABUS cars by providing outstanding grip and accurate handling on both wet and dry track surfaces. Even in the busiest driving situations, it flawlessly muffles all road noise, greatly boosting the immersive feeling portrayed in the movie.

In the video, a BRABUS-customised Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 with Hankook Tire's iON evo SUV tyres exhibits exceptional driving capabilities on Germany's renowned Circuit Meppen circuit. Last year, in anticipation of its role as an Official BRABUS Technology Partner, Hankook Tire released a 10-second teaser video that garnered a lot of international attention before the full-length release. Hankook Tire's official worldwide YouTube and Instagram accounts now feature the whole brand film.

Nexen Tire has continuously increased its supply of original equipment (OE) tyres to international automakers over the years, and their most recent collaboration with luxury automaker BMW Group emphasises the company's rising industry awareness.

Thanks to a number of crucial design elements, N'Fera Sport tyres offer exceptional dry, wet and handling performance. N'Fera Sport has a block design for superior dry and wet handle performance at high speed and a larger longitudinal groove for better drainage performance in wet circumstances. Furthermore, the tyre uses the most recent tread composition to improve braking and grip, while sidewall reinforcements increase stability at high speeds, providing exceptional handling and stability when turning. Most notably, the tyre has an AI-optimised engineering technology-based optimal design that increases fuel efficiency and reduces road noise. The Nexen Tire Europe factory ensures exceptional quality and performance by producing these high-performance tyres with cutting-edge automation and competitive quality.

As of 2024, Nexen Tire distributes OE tyres to 118 models of international automakers, having begun delivering OE tyres to luxury manufacturers in 2016. This accomplishment is the result of Nexen Tire's ongoing R&D expenditures to create high-quality goods that highlight its state-of-the-art technology. By utilising virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the business also spearheads tyre development and intends to deepen its alliances with international automakers.

Travis Kang, Global CEO of Nexen Tire, said, “To supply original equipment tyres, tyre manufacturers must meet the high standards of safety and performance required by automakers. We will continue to expand our supply to premium brands, demonstrating our exceptional quality and technological prowess.”