Hankook Tire equips Toyota’s first ever all-electric bZ4X in China

Seoul, South Korea – Hankook Tire is equipping Toyota’s first ever all-electric vehicle, Toyota bZ4X, in the Chinese market from last June. Hankook Tire’s Ventus S1 evo 3 ev will be available for fitment in the sizes 235/60R18 and 235/50R20.

Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 ev is equipped ex works to maximize the electric SUV’s full potential. For an EV with long range, the reduction of the tire’s rolling resistance is a key factor for maximizing fuel efficiency. The Ventus S1 evo 3 ev demonstrates abrasion performance improved by 5 percent and rolling resistance reduced by 13 percent compared to the conventional model through the vulcanization process optimization applied in its compound development.

While lowering rolling resistance, the tread compound of the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev has also been adapted to the needs of very high drive torque unique to an EV. It features a double-layer carcass made of a specially developed high-performance fiber as well as bead-packing technology, offering high stability with a low tare weight relative to its size. The engineers also designed the inner construction of shoulder areas in a way to maximize traction at the beginning of the movement.

Another advantage the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 ev brings is noise reduction. With the absence of noise from the internal combustion engine in an EV, road noise inside the vehicle can stand out. In assistance of a more comfortable driving experience, Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 ev has been designed to reduce tire noise by approximately three decibels.

As a pure electric compact SUV offering superior power efficiency and delivering more than a 500 km drive on a single full charge, Toyota bZ4X realizes its full potential with the equipment of Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 ev. The tire can assist versatility of the bZ4X for urban cityscape and off-road driving and provide a relaxing and quiet space.

“Having previously been chosen as the OE provider for Toyota’s 2018 Camry and 2020 Corolla, we are thrilled to forge ahead on our valued partnership with Toyota for the company’s first all-electric vehicle in China,” says Heonjoon Kim, Vice President and Director of Global OE Innovation Headquarters at Hankook Tire. “While electric cars look similar to internal combustion engine cars, they have some unique characteristics such as the extra weight of batteries, instant high torque from electric motors, and absence of noise from the engine. That’s why they need optimized tires to meet these requirements, and we are proud to have established a good position in EV tire segment.”

Through the development of EV dedicated tires and expansion of electric vehicle OE portfolio, Hankook Tire has emerged as one of the strongest players in the EV tire segment. With strong commitment towards sustainable mobility, Hankook is continuing investment in related technologies to bring the full potential of EVs to the road.