How Hankook’s iON HT Proves EV Pickup Trucks Need EV-Specific Tires

Описание: When customers come into the shop asking about EV tires, the questions usually sound pretty familiar. Questions like, “Do I really need an EV-specific tire?” may come up a lot. It’s up to you to know how to communicate the benefits of EV tires to customers, especially for EV pickup truck owners.

For example, to answer that question, customers should know that electric vehicles can weigh up to 30% more than gas-powered trucks. That extra weight puts a lot of stress on tires – stress that traditional light-truck tires are not built to handle. Add in instant torque, the need for range, and the silence of an electric drivetrain, and it’s clear that EVs need a specialized tire.

That’s why Hankook developed the iON HT — the first highway-terrain tire built exclusively for EV pickup trucks. It’s part of Hankook’s iON family and engineered from the ground up to handle the weight, torque, and efficiency demands of electric trucks.

Let’s dive into a few ways to answer some common customer questions about EVs.

“How is the iON HT able to handle all that extra weight?”
EV tires require reinforced construction and advanced materials. Hankook’s iON HT was purpose-built to meet the needs of EV trucks. It comes with an XL load rating, which gives the tire the strength and rigidity to support heavy EV platforms and truck-level cargo. The tire also features iON Clad construction and aggressive blocks, designed to protect against external impacts.

For your customers, that means confidence when hauling, towing, or just managing the everyday demands of an EV pickup truck. If you get a tire that isn’t built to carry that kind of weight, they will see faster wear, more heat build-up, and an EV pickup truck that just doesn’t feel stable when they’re hauling or towing.

“Doesn’t instant torque wear tires down faster?”
Hankook designed the iON HT with Round Even Technology and ProDurable Compound. That spreads road pressure evenly and resists the accelerated wear that drivers of EVs commonly see. For customers, that means consistent grip and longer tire life, even under the demands of electric torque.

“How can Hankook’s iON HT go longer on a single charge?”
The iON HT uses Roll Lite Compound to minimize internal friction inside the tire. Opti Cure Technology also plays a role by optimizing the curing process, lowering rolling resistance, and improving overall efficiency.

Internal testing showed that the iON HT delivered more than a 10% improvement in energy efficiency compared to competitor tires.

“Does it still perform in bad weather?”
The iON HT was designed for all-season confidence. The flared shoulder grooves and optimized main groove design are what clear water, while the 3D embossed sipes are newly applied on the iON HT to improve traction in both wet and dry conditions, enhancing braking performance.

Hankook backs the iON HT with the SureTire Plan for iON products. That includes a 100-day free trial, an 80,000-mile treadwear warranty, and road hazard coverage. That “100” number is a statement of confidence that this tire is built to last.

EV drivers demand more from their tires: more strength, more durability, more energy efficiency, and more control. That’s exactly what Hankook delivers with the iON HT. It proves that EV-specific tires aren’t just an option. They’re a necessity.

Sponsored by Hankook Tire.