AUTO

Tired of EV Tires That Wear Out Fast? Hankook’s iON HT Says Try This Instead

June 26, 2025

The iON HT tire offers up to 80,000 miles of tread life, one of the longest warranties in EV tire history.
Its Roll Lite Compound and Opti Cure Technology help reduce rolling resistance and improve range.
Debuted at Electrify Expo Los Angeles on June 21-22, the tire hits U.S. markets this August in 18-22″ sizes with UTQG 900/A/A and speed ratings T or H.

How can a tire made specifically for an electric truck help you save miles and money? When driving a light-duty electric vehicle on the highway, the ride can feel remarkably quiet. You may only hear the subtle hum of the tires against the pavement. That quiet, efficient experience reflects the performance Hankook’s new iON HT tire brings to electric light-duty trucks.

This tire has been engineered from the ground up to meet the specific demands of electric light-duty trucks. Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire America, explained that “electric vehicles, especially in the emerging light-duty truck category, bring new challenges and place unique demands on their tires.”

He went on to say that the iON HT “is built from the ground up to deliver exceptional EV performance, and perfectly embodies the kind of innovation our iON line has come to represent for the industry.”

This focus on purpose-built design is exactly why the iON HT matters so much to electric truck owners.

_{The Hankook Tire iON HT provides all-season versatility, lower rolling resistance, exceptional ride comfort, and enhanced durability to support the unique demands of electric light-duty trucks.}

What makes the iON HT special is its “XL” load rating, which provides added strength and stiffness. This allows the tire to support heavy electric vehicle battery packs and regular cargo without wearing down prematurely. Additionally, the tire uses a combination of Roll Lite Compound and Opti Cure Technology. These two features work together to reduce internal friction and maintain an optimal curing temperature, which lowers rolling resistance and helps extend the vehicle’s driving range.

Durability matters, especially for electric trucks that carry added weight from battery packs. Hankook’s ProDurable Compound works alongside Opti Tread Technology. Together, they help the iON HT tire deliver up to 80,000 miles of tread life. This extended lifespan reduces the frequency of tire replacements, which helps minimize maintenance interruptions and keeps trucks on the road longer.

When driving in rainy conditions, the 3D-embossed sipes and flared shoulder grooves help channel water away from the tire surface. This design provides reliable traction throughout the seasons. Additionally, the aggressive shoulder blocks combined with the iON Clad construction offer protection against road impacts. At the same time, they help maintain a smooth and comfortable ride.

Other tire manufacturers are entering the EV space as well. Goodyear’s ElectricDrive line focuses on reducing rolling resistance and improving ride comfort. Michelin promotes its EV All-Season+ tires, which are designed with noise-dampening technology to create a quieter experience. Hankook’s iON HT stands apart because it is specifically built for highway terrain and the added weight of electric light-duty trucks. The earlier iON evo AS and SUV tire models did not fully address this area.

Truck owners may notice a real difference when switching from regular tires to Hankook’s EV tire. Load testing has shown improved battery efficiency, with less energy lost through the tire material. In addition, real-world reviews report that drivers experienced quieter rides and a lower cost per mile when using iON evo tires.

Electrify Expo Orlando Hankook EV Demo District 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning black — _{A black Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck drives through the EV Demo District sponsored by Hankook Tire at Electrify Expo Orlando.}

The iON HT tire will arrive on the market this August in five sizes, ranging from 18 to 22 inches. It carries UTQG ratings of 900/A/A and is available with either T or H speed ratings. The tire made its debut at Electrify Expo Los Angeles on June 21 and 22. It joins Hankook’s iON family, which includes all-season, summer, and winter options. This allows electric truck drivers to select tires that suit different driving conditions while maintaining consistency across their vehicles.

So, what does this actually mean for daily driving? For anyone focused on electric truck maintenance, it means you can expect fewer tire replacements and reduced road noise. You also get consistent year-round traction and potentially a longer driving range. Owners of vehicles like the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, or any electric light-duty truck should consider giving the iON HT a try.