Hankook Tire Corp. introduced its second-generation electric vehicle tire, the Kinergy AS EV, which features strengthened handling and noise-reducing capabilities optimized for today’s electric vehicles.

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

The Kinergy AS EV is engineered to meet the demanding specifications of electric vehicles, the tiremaker says. It provides a hyper-low noise environment suitable for electric vehicles and a comfortable riding and driving performance on par with ultra-high performance tires, Hankook says. Using advanced noise reduction technologies, the Kinergy AS EV reduces a certain frequency that occurs when driving through optimum pitch arrangement.

It also features an Aramid Hybrid reinforcement belt and employs extra-load reinforcement structure to adapt to the heavier loads electric vehicles carry. This minimizes tread block distortion when changing direction to maintain optimum grip force and handling performance, Hankook says.

The tire also has Aqua Pine compound, resin extracted from conifers and consists of environment-friendly vegetable oil. The new compound improves performance on wet roads, braking in all road conditions, Hankook says. This improves driving stability while reducing tire slip and minimizing tread abrasion to deliver the high power of the electric motor and initial acceleration with no loss.

By launching a second-generation electric vehicle tire, Hankook is looking to fulfill a need for consumers who prefer electric vehicles, the tiremaker says. Kinergy AS EV will be available in Korea this year, and its global launch is also under review for next year, the company says.