Are EV tyres different? Hankook's iON range says yes

Electric vehicles demand more from their tyres, and specialised rubber has emerged in response. Let’s find out why the Hankook iON range’s awards cabinet is filling up…

Since the dawn of the modern EV era in the early 2010s, heralded by trailblazers like the Nissan Leaf, electric vehicles have rapidly become a key component on UK roads. Around 4.75% of the roughly 34 million cars on British roads are electric now, and with their unique characteristics — from instant torque to a quieter ride — it’s natural to wonder if these vehicles need specialist tyres. 

Hankook's answer? A resounding yes. Look no further than the iON range as a prime example of why. Designed for EVs from the tarmac up, these tyres offer a blend of safety, efficiency, and performance, all backed by a stacked trophy room showcasing their effectiveness.

And, as the EV landscape has evolved beyond the compact cars which sparked the revolution, Hankook's iON tyres has broadened the range too. Whether you're driving a premium city car or a larger SUV, there's an iON to suit your needs. 

iON evo: a summer star

First up, the range’s summer tyre, and the start of the award tour. Alongside the 2025 WhatTyre Electric Car Tyre of the Year award, the Hankook iON evo recently emerged as the winner in the Auto Bild EV summer tyre test, achieving an ‘exemplary’ rating in the process thanks to its superior performance across the board.

In challenging wet surface tests, the iON evo secured top scores in handling and circular track performance, demonstrating the excellent grip and control provided by its expanding, optimally sized lateral grooves. On dry surfaces, the evo continued its winning streak. First-place spots in braking and handling tests were secured by leaning on the tyre’s Grip Boost technology, Aramid hybrid reinforcement belt, and rigid shoulder blocks — all optimised to handle the torque and weight that EVs bring to the table. 

Hankook’s i-Sound Absorber technology, designed to ensure a peaceful cabin experience, then set a serene setting for the environmental portion of the testing. High marks were achieved in the range and roll-out tests, with the tyres Opti Cure tech cementing its capability to maximise overall driving range. According to the testers, the iON evo offered “good mileage, good comfort and low rolling resistance”, which when combined with its performance across the board, reinforcing its position as a top-tier EV tyre.

iON FlexClimate: all-season excellence

Next up, the range’s all-season offering: the Hankook iON FlexClimate, garnering significant praise in its own lane. In Auto Bild’s all-season tyre check, the iON FlexClimate secured a clear purchase recommendation by highlighting its ability to win safety test categories without compromising on driving fun. 

Designed for year-round driving, testers were particularly impressed with its performance in wet conditions, where it took top spot in all four assessed criteria: braking distance, handling, behaviour in aquaplaning, and aquaplaning when cornering. And this is no surprise, considering the same reinforcement and grip boosting technologies are found in the FlexClimate as in its summer sibling, except now tailored for all-seasons.

With that versatility in mind, on dry surfaces, the iON FlexClimate continued to turn heads. Receiving shoutouts for its ‘agile steering behaviour’ and ‘good balance’, another first-place finish was secured in the handling category, while it also achieved the shortest braking distance and an equally strong result in that crucial range-boosting rolling resistance.

But what can make extended driving range even better? A tyre that can match that longevity too, we reckon. And the FlexClimate’s Round Even technology also has that covered. Recognising that EVs can wear rubber out approximately 20% faster than ICE cars because of uneven stress, Hankook’s all-season offering optimises contact with the road through a unique structure, providing increased mileage and durability. No wonder Auto Bild boast that it achieves “the highest level for safe driving in all weather conditions” — it can simply do it all.

The GEN3 Evo iON Race: from road to racing

And now, time for some a little different. What could better prove the performance potential of an EV tyre, than its use at the pinnacle of electric motorsport? That’s right, the engineering that underpins the iON range can be spotted out on track, as Hankook is the exclusive tyre supplier for the ABB Formula E World Championship, with the GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre flexing its capabilities. 

This tyre was specifically developed for the unique demands of Formula E, where all-electric racers rely on their rubber to handle challenging circuits such as the London ExCeL track. Here, challengers must navigate between polished indoor concrete and abrasive outdoor asphalt, maintaining grip throughout as the track limits leave next-to-no margin for error. 

But of course, despite the immense demand placed upon them, Hankook’s GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre rose to the occasion earlier this year for the UK-based season finale. Braking zones were conquered, grip shifts handled, and through a mix of thermal stability and consistent traction, limits were pushed right up until the checkered flag. To us, this successful collaboration shows Hankook's dedication to cutting-edge electric tyre technology, as well as proving that the performance benefits of the iON range are not limited to everyday driving. A win-win situation, we’d say.

The journey of the electric vehicle is one of constant evolution, and the tyres beneath them are no exception. Hankook's iON range, with its summer, winter, all-season, and even motorsport-derived offerings, clearly demonstrates that EV tyres are not a one-size-fits-all solution. By focusing on characteristics like grip, efficiency, durability, and noise reduction, Hankook's iON tyres are proving their mettle, not just in independent tests, but on the demanding circuits of Formula E. But will you be choosing specialised EV tyres as your next fitment?

Hero image credit: Hankook