Hankook releases tires for electric light trucks
Hankook Tire has introduced a new line of tires called e-Vantra, designed specifically for electric light trucks and vans, and, as the company claims, became the first such products on the Korean market.
The new family includes the e-Vantra Transit and e-Vantra Drive tires (all-position and drive axle, respectively), and both models were designed to withstand increased loads when operating on electric vehicles, including long-distance use, while the resource has been increased by 30% compared to already available Hankook models. In addition, handling on wet and dry roads has been improved by 13% and 4%, respectively, which increases the level of safety in various conditions.
The tires also have a reinforced breaker construction, which has increased their strength and durability, while the uniformity of wear has been improved due to the reduction of tread deformability. In addition, the reinforced sidewall structure in the area of the tire mounting on the rim has increased the stiffness of the sidewalls, which has improved handling stability under heavy loads.
Hankook e-Vantra Transit tires have an optimized profile and contact patch, which extends their lifespan, while 3D-designed micro-grooves have increased block stiffness and improved handling. The manufacturer claims that the optimal shape of the contact area with the road provides stable controllability under increased loads, and the enhanced grip in corners has a positive effect on the level of safety.
In turn, the Hankook e-Vantra Drive tires have a tread pattern with blocks arranged in a checkerboard pattern and wide transverse grooves, designed to increase the resource, accelerate water drainage, and improve handling on wet roads.
"We expect that with their outstanding durability and reliable behavior, the e-Vantra tires will fully meet the expectations of electric light truck and van owners," said Pak Jong Ho, head of Hankook's Korean branch. "We already offer iON series tires, specifically designed for passenger electric vehicles, and the release of the new line gives us the opportunity to strengthen our leading position in the electric vehicle tire market."
The Hankook e-Vantra Transit and Drive tires are available in sizes 195R15C and 145R13C, respectively, and Hankook has also recently introduced the new Hankook e-Smart City AU56 tire for electric buses, which will be released on various markets around the world throughout 2024.