- The Hankook iON tire is designed for electric vehicles, offering 25% longer tread life and reducing road noise by 25%.
- Hankook Tire has invested $1.6 billion in their Clarksville, Tennessee plant, increasing production to 10 million tires annually by 2026.
- Hankook ensures their EV tires are produced sustainably.
If you’ve ever wondered how your electric vehicle’s tires stack up in the world of electric mobility, you’re in for a treat. At the recent Electrify Expo in Long Beach, we got an inside look at the technology in electric vehicle (EV) tires, courtesy of Hankook Tire, at the Amazon Recharge Zone booth. Matt Teske, the CEO and Founder of Chargeway, sat down with KC Jensen, VP of Sales for Hankook Tire, to talk all-things EV tire technology. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the rubber anymore!
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room. Hankook Tire, a name synonymous with top-tier tire technology, has its roots firmly planted in the United States. “We’ve invested $1.6 billion to enhance our plant in Clarksville, Tennessee,” shared KC Jensen. By 2026, this plant will churn out a whopping 10 million tires annually.
Now, onto the star of the show – the Hankook iON tire. This EV specific tire has been carefully designed to tackle the unique challenges EVs present. From reducing road noise to ensuring even tread wear, the Hankook iON is tailored for both the daily driver and the performance enthusiast. “One out of four consumers don’t know they need an EV-specific tire,” KC pointed out. And that’s where Hankook steps in.
So, what makes an EV tire special? Traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles are about 20-30% lighter than EVs. This weight difference impacts tire performance significantly. With EVs, you’re looking at three primary concerns: comfort, handling, and torque. The Hankook iON addresses all these. “We’ve developed a tire that reduces road noise by 25% and offers 25% longer tread life,” KC explained.
Borrowing a page from motorsports, Hankook’s involvement in Formula E racing has paved the way for these advancements. “It’s like traditional automotive tech; what works on the track eventually benefits the everyday driver,” said Matt. From race tracks to city streets, the technology ensures you get the best performance possible.
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Whether you’re a dedicated tuner who thrives on personalizing every detail or a regular driver seeking dependable performance, the Hankook iON is tailored to meet your needs. From all-season to summer tires, Hankook’s range ensures you have the best EV tire for your needs. “We’ve got every size you need,” said KC.
Hankook gets sustainability. “We ensure that our tires respect the environment,” KC mentioned. By aligning their tire technology with the ethos of electric mobility, Hankook is keeping you rolling and responsibly.
Looking ahead, Hankook is set on being the industry leader in EV tires. “We want to continue to grow this segment,” KC highlighted. The future at Hankook looks bright with a strong product lineup and a clear focus on innovation.
If you own an EV or are thinking of getting one, remember this: not all tires are created equal. Hankook’s iON tire is here to make your electric driving experience smoother, quieter, and more efficient. So, next time you hit the road, know that with Hankook iON EV tires, you’re driving with the best EV tire technology out there.
For more information, check out Hankook’s booth at Electrify Expo or visit their website.
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