Hankook Tire introduces new technology system for EV-exclusive tire brand ‘iON’

Seoul, Korea – Hankook Tire introduced its exclusive technology system for ‘iON,’ a tire brand designed for electric vehicles (EVs), to accelerate the efficiency in Research & Development (R&D) process and to enhance customer communication.

Hankook Tire established a more detailed technology system to take its current industry-leading EV technology to a leap. The newly established system ‘iON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY’ is named after the brand iON, which is successfully positioned as the representative tire brand for electric vehicles.

Based on the internal test conducted by Hankook Tire, the iON demonstrated up to 18% reduction in cabin noise, up to 15% increase in tire life, up to 10% increase in driving stability, and up to 6% increase in MPGe efficiency compared to tires for vehicles with an internal combustion engine. These results prove the importance and necessity of developing specialized technologies optimized for electric vehicles.

The ‘iON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY’ comprises four key tire technologies designed with electric vehicle attributes in focus including i Sound Absorber (Noise), i Super Mileage (Wear), i Perfect Grip (Grip), and i Extreme Lightness (LRR).

The four core technologies will subsequently be divided into 15 detailed technology components, providing a more organized and streamlined R&D process.

Hankook Tire intends to proactively employ this new technology system in customer communication. Through clear explanations about the distinct attributes of EVs, the necessity for dedicated tires, and the specialized electric vehicle technology embedded in iON, the company aims to strengthen its communication with customers and promote its technology, which leads the electrification paradigm in the mobility industry.

The core of the ‘iON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY’ system is composed of 58 commercialized patents technologies that have been integrated into iON. Among these, a total of 9 patents have been applied to iON, including ‘Noise Guard,’ the thick, vertical tire groove on the tire’s surface that utilizes Knurling technology for noise reduction. Meanwhile, the mileage enhancement technology sector holds a total of 11 patents, including ProDurable Compound, designed to extend tire life by combining an advanced material, and Round Even, which renders a more uniformed road contact pressure.

A total of 23 patented technologies have been implemented to enhance tire grip and handling showcasing cutting-edge technologies like Grip Claw, a material utilizing ultra-thin-film 3D Kerf technology, and ProGrip Compound, which combines high silica concentrations with eco-friendly materials for improved grip performance. Furthermore, 15 patented technologies have also been implemented, including ProCoupling Compound, designed to enhance rolling resistance by increasing silica dispersion through optimal compound combinations.

Introduced to the European market in May last year, iON expanded its reach to the Korean and North American markets in September and December respectively. In May 2023, iON made its launch in China, the world’s largest EV market, and through these accomplishments, Hankook Tire is rapidly growing its position as a mainstream EV tire brand.