In a first of its kind, the Volkswagen ID.4 traveled to the northernmost point of the United States highway system while riding on two Hankook tires – the iON AS evo and iON i*cept SUV tires.
Rainer Zietlow and his team started the journey in Homer Alaska on March 23 and finished in Deadhorse, Alaska. This was the first time an EV achieved such a fete by overland driving at temperatures averaging -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The team plans to cover another 8,500 miles to Key West, Florida on the same tires while relying on the existing power sources and charging station.
According to Zietlow, the tires have been able to maximize battery range and have withstood the challenging terrain under adverse weather conditions.
They are made using Hankook’s Evolution technology which prioritizes all-season performance, rolling resistance, and noise reduction. Their key attributes include eco-friendly materials and a high concentration of silica made to distribute road pressure evenly to maximize the life of the tires and boost battery life.
Hankook also included its Contour technology to enhance cornering stability and lateral rigidity alongside 3D Kontrol sipes to maximize multi-seasonal performance. According to the company, the journey has showcased what iON tires are capable of.
The team will make a couple of stops at Hankooks tire locations. They are expected to reach Key West on May 6.