Hankook Tire has introduced its second-generation electric vehicle (EV) tire, the Kinergy AS EV. The Korean OE claims the tire features strengthened and optimized handling and noise-reducing capabilities designed to complement the low engine noise, high initial acceleration and heavy body structure characteristics of modern EVs.
A hyper-low noise environment has been created using advanced noise reduction technologies that reduce certain frequencies that occur when driving through optimum pitch arrangements.
To handle the heavier weight of EVs, Kinergy AS EV uses an Aramid Hybrid reinforcement belt and employs an extra-load reinforcement structure that allows little or no increase in diameter, even during high-speed driving. These solutions also minimize tread block distortion when changing direction, thereby maintaining grip force to improve handling stability.
Kinergy AS EV also features the application of Aqua Pine, a resin extracted from conifers consisting of vegetable oil. This is said to improve driving stability while reducing tire slip and minimizing tread abrasion to deliver power from electric motors and initial acceleration with no loss.
Kinergy AS EV will be available in Korea this year. A global launch is also under review for next year.
