Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
Leading global tire manufacturer Hankook Tire has announced the expansion of its iON product family with the launch of the iON HT, a highway-terrain tire specifically engineered for the unique demands of electric light-duty trucks. This new tire integrates Hankook’s innovative technology to deliver all-season performance, enhanced durability, and ultra-low rolling resistance to help extend vehicle range. The iON HT is designed to support the increased weight and torque of electric trucks while providing a comfortable and quiet ride.
Key Highlights
- Hankook has launched the iON HT, its first highway-terrain tire designed exclusively for electric light-duty trucks.
- The tire is engineered for high-load support to handle heavy battery packs and cargo, featuring an “XL” load designation.
- It offers an impressive 80,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, achieved through advanced compound and tread technology.
- The iON HT was first displayed at the 2025 Electrify Expo in Los Angeles, showcasing the latest in EV tire innovation.
Engineered for Electric Demands
The rise of electric vehicles, particularly in the light-duty truck category, presents new challenges for tire design. “Electric vehicles…place unique demands on their tires,” stated Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire America Corp. The iON HT is built from the ground up to meet these needs, providing the extra strength and rigidity required to manage the substantial weight of EV battery packs and additional cargo.
This specialized construction ensures that the tire can withstand the instant torque and heavier loads characteristic of electric trucks without compromising on performance or safety. The design focuses on providing a durable and reliable solution that drivers can depend on for regular light-truck use.
Advanced Features and Technology
The iON HT tire combines several of Hankook’s proprietary technologies to optimize performance for electric vehicles. Its Roll Lite Compound and Opti Cure Technology work in tandem to minimize internal friction and lower the tire’s curing temperature. This process significantly reduces rolling resistance, which helps conserve energy and extend the vehicle’s battery range.
For longevity, the tire utilizes a ProDurable Compound and Opti Tread Technology. These features ensure that road pressure is dispersed evenly across the contact patch, leading to improved wear resistance and a tread life of up to 80,000 miles—one of the highest mileage warranties available for an EV tire.
All-season traction is enhanced through a new 3D-Embossed Sipe and flared shoulder grooves, which provide a reliable grip and efficient water evacuation in wet conditions. Furthermore, the tire’s aggressive shoulder block design and iON Clad construction protect against external impacts, ensuring durability without sacrificing ride comfort.
Availability
The Hankook iON HT joins a comprehensive lineup of EV-specific tires, including all-season, summer, and winter models. The new tire will be available for purchase in August in five initial sizes, ranging from 18 to 22 inches.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
