Hankook Tire & Technology has confirmed it will be the official tire supplier for Hyundai’s upcoming flagship electric SUV, the Ioniq 9. The Korean tire manufacturer will equip the vehicle with its latest all-season electric vehicle tire, the iON evo AS SUV, marking another strategic collaboration between the two automotive leaders.
Engineered for the Electric Era
Co-developed with Hyundai, Hankook’s iON evo AS SUV tire is one of its exclusive EV series, developed with its own iON Innovative Technology. This new technology offers a perfect blend of low road noise, improved energy efficiency, stable all-weather traction, and long mileage—critical elements of electric vehicle performance.
One of the tire’s most prominent features is its bespoke tread design, which reduces road noise by up to nine decibels, enhancing the Ioniq 9’s already quiet cabin and providing a smoother ride.
Built for All Seasons and Extended Range
To ensure performance throughout the year, Hankook uses a high-silica compound with eco-friendly components. The composition ensures balanced traction on dry pavement, wet pavement, and even light snow. Handling is further enhanced through 3D grip control sipes, giving additional surface contact and responsiveness while cornering or performing emergency turns.
On the efficiency front, the tire is crafted to reduce rolling resistance, allowing the Ioniq 9 to travel farther on one charge. This is achieved by Hankook’s cutting-edge low-temperature curing technology, which strengthens the tire structure and overall energy efficiency.
For additional strength, the Hankook tire is engineered to distribute pressure evenly and prevent excessive wear, and strengthened sidewalls and cornering stability maintain vehicle stability—essential on bigger electric SUVs like the Ioniq 9.
Strengthening a Lasting Partnership
This deal builds on Hankook’s growing presence in the EV sector, following earlier supply partnerships with Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 and Kia’s EV3 and EV9 models. With continued R&D investment at innovation centers like Technoplex and Technodome, Hankook aims to further cement its role as a leader in the global EV tire market.
As electric cars become increasingly mainstream, tires like the iON evo AS SUV will have a greater and greater role to play—not only in performance and safety but in making driving better in general and in increasing range. Hankook’s latest partnership with Hyundai is an unmistakable sign that the future of EV mobility will be quieter, smoother, and more efficient than ever.