Hankook iON i*cept: unlock your EV’s full potential this winter

The electric vehicle revolution has fundamentally changed the way we think about driving. We’ve traded fuel pumps for charging cables and engine noise for near-silent acceleration. However, there is one critical component that is often overlooked in this transition: the tyres.

Many EV owners are still fitting standard tyres designed for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. While these might suffice in the height of summer, they are not optimised for the unique demands of a heavy, high-torque electric car - especially when the temperature drops. To truly harness the power of your EV this winter, you need a bespoke solution. Enter the Hankook iON i*cept.

Why your EV demands a dedicated winter tyre

It is a common misconception that all winter tyres are created equal. In reality, EVs present four specific challenges that conventional tyres struggle to meet:

• Weight and torque: due to their substantial battery packs, EVs are significantly heavier than their petrol or diesel counterparts. Combined with the instant torque of an electric motor, this puts immense stress on the rubber during braking and cornering.
• Winter grip: the sheer weight of an EV means that once it loses grip on snow or ice, physics is hard to fight. You need a tyre certified to handle that mass.
• Range anxiety: cold weather is the enemy of battery efficiency. High rolling resistance from unoptimised tyres can further deplete your range just when you need it most.
• The sound of silence: without an engine to mask the sound, road and tyre noise become far more intrusive in an EV cabin.

Engineered for excellence: the iON i*cept advantage

The Hankook iON i*cept (and the iON i*cept SUV) isn't just a standard winter tyre with a new badge. It’s a non-studded masterpiece of engineering designed to solve EV-specific hurdles through three core pillars:

Absolute control on ice and snow

Safety is non-negotiable. To manage the increased weight of an EV, Hankook’s EV Contour Technology increases lateral stiffness by seven per cent. This is bolstered by precisely angled sipes and a mix of 2D and 3D sipes across the tread. Whether you are navigating a slushy motorway or a frozen side street, the tread rigidity is optimised for superior handling and shorter stopping distances.

Maximising every kilowatt

Winter shouldn't mean that ‘‘range anxiety’’ becomes your default setting, forcing you to watch your EV’s power display plummet as the temperature drops. The iON i*cept uses Opti Cure Technology (an advanced compound and curing process) to lower rolling resistance significantly. This is paired with an aerodynamic profile that slices through the air more efficiently, effectively extending your driving range and ensuring that your battery's energy goes toward the road, not overcoming friction.

The pursuit of quiet

Because your EV motor is virtually silent, Hankook has focused on introducing its i-Sound Absorber Technology. By using a V-Shaped Shifting Pattern, the inside and outside tread blocks shift alternately to help "spread" any road noise. Combined with Opti Pitch Technology, which optimises the size and number of tread pitches, and Noise Guard Technology inside the grooves, the result is a cabin environment that remains a sanctuary of calm, even on grit-covered winter roads.

Proven performance

Performance claims are one thing, but independent validation provides the definitive picture. The iON i*cept has earned the prestigious TÜV SÜD certification mark following exhaustive testing in 2024. These rigorous evaluations confirm that the tire delivers exceptional results across essential winter safety and handling metrics, ensuring peace of mind in the most challenging conditions.

The ultimate winter upgrade

Choosing the right tyre is the simplest way to upgrade your EV's performance, safety, and comfort. More than just a seasonal swap, the Hankook iON i*cept is a technological evolution that ensures your car is properly equipped to perform exactly as it should - no matter how harsh the conditions. Don’t just endure the winter; master it.

Is your EV winter ready? Explore the full iON i*cept range today and drive with total confidence.