Hankook Tire America Corp. is adding a highway-terrain tire for electric light-duty pickup trucks to its iON lineup.
The Hankook iON HT, which will be available in August, features an "XL" load designation to accomodate additional cargo that's customary with light truck owners, in addition to the vehicle's heavy battery pack.
“Electric vehicles, especially in the emerging light-duty truck category, bring new challenges and place unique demands on their tires,” says Rob Williams, president of Hankook Tire America Corp. “The iON HT is built from the ground up to deliver exceptional EV performance, and perfectly embodies the kind of innovation our iON line has come to represent for the industry.”
Hankook says the iON HT offers the versatility of an all-season product, along with lower rolling resistance and technology to extend the vehicle's range, plus durability and a comfortable ride.
The tire's key compound and design features include:
- Roll Lite Compound and Opti Cure Technology: The tire's compound and curing technology work together "to reduce internal friction and optimize curing temperature," which Hankook says results in lower rolling resistance and improved battery efficiency.
- ProDurable Compound and Opti Tread Technology: This combination improves wear resistance because it road pressure is distributed evenly, which helps extend tread life. Hankook says the iON HT has a tread life up to 80,000 miles, and that it's one of the longest for EV tires.
- A 3D-embossed sipe and flared shoulder grooves: These features provide both grip as well as water evacuation, which contributed to all-season traction, including in wet conditions.
- An aggressive shoulder block design and iON Clad construction: These features buffer against impacts to the tire, but do so without affecting ride comfort.
The ION HT will debut in five sizes in August, ranging from 18 to 22 inches, with UTQG ratings of 900/A/A and speed ratings of T or H. The light truck tire joins Hankook's portfolio of EV-specific tires.
Hankook is promoting the tire at the 2025 Electrify Expo event in Los Angeles June 21-22.
