Hankook Tire has received a mandate to supply tyres for ID.4, Volkswagen's first e-SUV.
To meet the requirements of this drive technology, the tyre maker will supply Ventus S1 evo 3 ev tyre developed specifically for electric cars, in size range from 18- to 21 inches. In addition, these tyres are partly equipped with Hankook SEALGUARD puncture protection technology.
The company also has original equipment tyres in 20 and 21 inches suitable for VW ID.4 GTX.
Reduced rolling resistance, lower weight and higher load-bearing capacity are some of the requirements of an electric vehicle. To meet these special requirements, Hankook engineers have equipped the EV tyre Ventus S1 evo 3 ev with a double-layer carcass made of specially developed high-performance fibre. As a result, it offers very high stability with a low tare weight relative to its size. In addition, the tread compound of the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev is critical for grip in wet and dry conditions. The tyre has been adapted to the needs of high drive torque deploying electric vehicles while optimising rolling resistance, the company said.
In the 20-inch dimensions, an additional steel-based reinforcement is also used in the bead area due to the reduced sidewall height, which contributes to further increased sidewall stiffness and direct steering response.
The Hankook SEALGUARD sealing technology seals punctures up to 5mm in diameter within the tyre's tread area. It offers the advantage that even in the unlikely event of a nail puncture, a trip can be continued without any problems, and the tyre does not need changing. Therefore, a spare wheel no longer needs to be carried in SEALGUARD-equipped vehicles, providing additional space in the boot, saving weight and eliminating the need for a potentially dangerous wheel change at the roadside, the tyre maker claimed.