Hankook Tire introduces second-generation electric vehicle tire, Kinergy AS EV

• - The Kinergy AS EV is engineered to be a perfect companion for the next generation of electric vehicles
• - The tire features an aggregation of advanced technology with hyper-low noise as well as improved driving and comfort

August 27, 2018 (Seoul, Korea) - Global leading tire maker Hankook Tire introduced its second-generation electric vehicle tire, the Kinergy AS EV, which features strengthened handling and noise-reducing capabilities that are optimized for today’s cutting-edge electric vehicles.

Compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles have lower engine noise, higher initial acceleration and bodies that are 10 to 20 percent heavier. In order for electric vehicles to achieve optimal performance, they need tires designed to complement these unique characteristics.

The Kinergy AS EV is engineered to meet the increasingly demanding specifications of electric vehicles. It provides a hyper-low noise environment suitable for electric vehicles and a comfortable riding and supreme driving performance on par with ultra-high performance tires.

Electric vehicles are free from engine noise, which makes road and tire noise more noticeable, and in turn noise reduction is of utmost importance for comfort driving. The hyper-low noise environment is created with application of advanced noise reduction technologies. The Kinergy AS EV shows maximum quietness by applying techniques that reduce the noise produced from tire and the road. Technology to reduce a certain frequency that incurs when driving through optimum pitch arrangement was also applied.

Electric vehicles are usually heavier than normal vehicles, so each tire needs to take on more load stress. In order to cover the extra weight, the Kinergy AS EV is produced with the best material that can currently be applied to tires, the Aramid Hybrid reinforcement belt, and employs extra-load reinforcement structure. This allows little or no increase in diameter even in high-speed driving and minimizes tread block distortion when changing direction, thereby maintaining optimum grip force to provide exquisite handling performance and significantly improve handling stability.

Another key improvement is the application of Aqua Pine compound, resin extracted from conifers and consist of environment-friendly vegetable oil. With the new compound, performance improves on wet roads, securing agile handling and braking in all road conditions. This improves driving stability while reducing tire slip and minimizing tread abrasion to deliver the high power of the electric motor and powerful initial acceleration with no loss.

By launching a second-generation electric vehicle tire that features consolidated global top-tier technology, Hankook Tire plans to offer the best driving environment to consumers who prefer electric vehicles. Kinergy AS EV will be available in Korea this year, and global launch is also under review for next year.