Hankook will supply tires for the Kia EV2
For the Kia EV2 crossover, the most compact electric vehicle from the Korean brand, which was specifically designed for the European market, the Hankook iON evo and iON GT tires with diameters of 18 and 16 inches, respectively, were chosen, which are part of the industry's first lineup created specifically for electric vehicles, the tire company reported.
The EV2 is considered a strategically important model that is expected to "play a key role in the implementation of Kia's strategy to popularize electric vehicles," and the features of both homologated Hankook tires include key parameters in this segment, such as reduced noise levels, lower rolling resistance, which increases the range, and improved wear resistance, which is necessary due to the high torque and mass of electric vehicles.
Hankook iON evo (more sporty compared to iON GT) are made using iON Innovative Technology and are particularly distinguished by improved lateral stability, which is provided by the modified tire shape and aramid fibers in the design, while the design of the longitudinal and transverse channels was designed for the fastest possible water drainage, and the special rubber compound, as the manufacturer claims, reduces braking distances on wet roads.
The company adds that the applied technologies have made it possible to reduce noise in the cabin by 18%, the reduction in rolling resistance allows increasing energy consumption efficiency by 6%, and the compound with a high concentration of silicon dioxide in combination with an optimized profile slows down wear, increasing the tire life by 15%.
In the production of iON GT, environmentally certified ISCC Plus materials are used, such as natural-based silica, cord made from secondary PET materials, reclaimed technical carbon, and biosol. The tire also received an A rating for all three Euro label parameters - wet grip, fuel efficiency, and noise.
Hankook also supplies tires for the electric Kia EV3, EV4, and EV9, and the company says that the homologation of tires for the EV2 "strengthens our position as a key partner in the project to electrify the automaker's lineup".