Hankook unveils EV tire for overseas market

Seoul – Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. has introduced its second-generation electric vehicle tire, the Kinergy AS EV, which the tire maker said offers improved handling and noise reduction optimised for the newest electric vehicles.

The Kinergy AS EV is engineered to meet the specifications of EVs, which do not have engine noise, making road and tire noise more noticeable. With a feel similar to that of an ultra-high performance tire, Hankook said the Kinergy AS EV provides a noise environment suitable for EVs.

Compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs have lower engine noise, higher initial acceleration and bodies that weigh 10 to 20% more, so Kinergy AS EV was designed with those attributes in mind.

It features the aramid hybrid reinforcement belt, and employs extra-load reinforcement structure, allowing little or no increase in diameter, even in high-speed driving. Hankook also said the tires minimize tread block distortion when changing direction, which helps to maintain optimum grip force, handling and stability.

The tire also features Hankook's Aqua Pine compound, which includes resin extracted from conifers and environment-friendly vegetable oil. The new compound is said to improves performance on wet roads, ensures handling and allows for braking in diverse road conditions. This improves driving stability while reducing tire slip and minimising tread abrasion to deliver the power of the electric motor and initial acceleration with no loss.

The Kinergy AS EV will be available in Korea this year, and Hankook is expecting to launch the tires globally next year.

Pricing information was not available.