Is more tread depth, better? Hankook iON FlexClimate

Hankook has taken a robust, traditional approach with its EV all-season offering. Is a deep-tread commitment the secret ingredient for long-term tyre performance?

There seems to be a potential trend on the horizon in the world of tyres: reduced tread depth. But, within one of the market’s most forward-thinking tyres, Hankook has opted for a deep 8 mm tread.

So why, while some manufacturers are trimming tread depth, has Hankook taken a robust, traditional approach to its EV all-season offering, the iON FlexClimate?

A heavyweight issue

Electric vehicles place exceptional demands on their tyres. They are heavier than their combustion counterparts thanks to those hefty batteries, which puts strain on their tyres, particularly during cornering and braking. And on top of that, the immediate torque delivery from an EV motor can chew through rubber quickly during acceleration, especially if the compound and construction aren't up to the task.

Hankook clearly have taken note of this, optimising the iON FlexClimate — its first all-season tyre specifically designed for electric passenger cars and SUVs — for extreme robustness. By using a reinforced belt integrated with highly durable aramid fibres to increase sidewall rigidity by 20% compared to conventional all-season tyres, loads are distributed evenly across the width of the tread, which is crucial for fighting premature wear.

So, this solid structure counteracts the forces which an EV places upon its tyres, whether that’s speeding up, following the limit, or slowing back down, allowing for precise handling throughout. Importantly, this robust design supports the traditionally deep tread pattern, giving the driver more rubber to work with over the tyre's lifespan, without compromising performance.

Year-round performance

Durability is doubly important when creating an all-season tyre. Unlike seasonal tyre sets, all-season models must be able to cope with dry asphalt in summer, standing water in autumn, and icy patches in winter, all while maintaining grip, and structural integrity — which the iON FlexClimate manages in addition to the handling the demands of EVs.

‘How’, we hear you ask? Hankook achieves this by using a specialised tyre mixture, the ProGrip compound. This features a high percentage of natural resin which acts as a multitasker: ensuring exemplary durability, while also offering reduced abrasion. This helps the tyre safely transfer the high drive torques of the EV to the road surface in all conditions, ensuring that deep tread doesn't simply disappear under pressure.

And if you need any proof that these tyres can perform year-round, look no further than its M+S (Mud and Snow) label, and 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake) certification — true symbols of all-season capability. And that deep tread depth comes in handy here too, extending into high density ‘2-in-1’ sipes, ensuring the tyre’s suitability for use come rain, shine, or snow.

Mileage matters

While Hankook has ensured the iON FlexClimate is tough and grippy, it hasn't ignored electric vehicles’ need for efficiency. 

Firstly, that high-durability tread strip means that the iON FlexClimate requires less material to achieve its overall mileage, which Hankook have capitalised, making the tyre lighter overall. Then, combine this with the brand’s Opti-Cure technology to reduce unnecessary tread movement when driving, preventing wasted energy, and improved rolling resistance is unlocked. The result? The potential for greater range per battery charge — something we’d never say no to.

So, Hankook’s approach suggests that when it comes to EVs, the traditional wisdom of ensuring deep, quality tread to handle high forces might just still hold true. By combining robust construction and an abrasion-resistant compound, Hankook is directly addressing any longevity concerns, while still tackling range anxiety, and ensuring year-round performance.

Does the focus on durability and deep tread depth make you more confident in selecting an all-season tyre for your electric vehicle?

Image credits:  Hankook