How the right tyres can transform your EV’s range and driving experience

Electric vehicles have changed the way we think about cars. They’re quieter, cleaner, and more efficient but they also come with unique challenges. From extra torque and weight to near-silent operation, EVs demand more from every component, especially the tyres.

Yet many EV owners don’t realise their tyres might be holding them back.

That’s where the Hankook iON GT comes in. As part of the world’s first dedicated EV tyre brand, Hankook’s iON range is engineered from the ground up to handle the distinct demands of electric vehicles by delivering better range, better comfort, longer-lasting performance and driving emotion.

If you’ve owned your EV for two or three years and you’re coming up on a tyre replacement, here’s why switching to an EV-specific tyre like the Hankook iON GT could unlock your car’s full potential.

Most tyres on the road today were developed with petrol or diesel vehicles in mind. While they’ll technically fit your EV, they’re not optimised for it, and that can mean reduced efficiency, increased noise, and faster wear.

The Hankook iON GT is different as it’s purpose-built for electric vehicles, using materials and design strategies that enhance performance and efficiency. It’s not just a tyre that happens to work on EVs, it’s a tyre that was created for them.

With enhanced load ratings for heavier battery packs, reinforced tread blocks for instant torque, and aramid hybrid reinforcement for better high-speed stability, iON GT delivers the kind of performance today’s EV drivers expect. The iON tyres are so trusted that Hankook is the exclusive tyre supplier for the Formula E World Championship, the world's first racing competition for electric vehicles.

Hankook has continually innovated and brought in changes that are shaping the future mobility landscape for electric vehicles, green vehicles, and digital technology. Working together with major automakers across the world to ensure that drivers in Australia and around the world get the best from their cars.

Standard tyres fitted to electric vehicles wear out approximately 20 per cent faster with uneven wear than on petrol and diesel vehicles. The iON GT’s design means it achieves uniform contact pressure thanks to Round Even Technology. The iON GT provides longer usage and less frequent replacement.

Range anxiety is still one of the biggest concerns for EV owners, and your tyres play a bigger role than you might think.

The iON GT is engineered with ultra-low rolling resistance, helping your EV travel further on a single charge. That’s especially important for older EVs whose battery may not be as large as more newer models, or its performance may be gradually declining.

Whether you’re commuting through the Sydney CBD on your way to work or hitting some of Australia’s most iconic drives with your family, like the Great Ocean Road or Grand Pacific Drive, having the best tyres on your car makes all the difference. Not only from a safety and driveability point of view, but from an ongoing running costs standpoint too.

Thanks to AI-optimised tread patterns and lightweight construction, the iON GT helps reduce energy loss at the contact point, helping your EV go further without needing to change how (or how much) you drive. Opti Cure Technology applied to the iON GT has allowed it to achieve the highest grade of LRR performance, which improves all parts of the tyre equally. This has also allowed for an optimised tyre gauge with advanced structure design, which has a four per cent weight reduction to the tyre.

One of the joys of owning an EV is the serene, silent ride. But with no engine to mask noise, traditional tyres can stand out as the loudest part of the cabin.

The iON GT solves that with i Sound Absorber™ technology, a unique noise-reduction feature built directly into the tyre structure. It absorbs vibrations and road noise at the source, maintaining the near-silent cabin experience EV drivers love, even on rough surfaces or highway journeys.

An interesting piece of technology is Noise Guard (Cornhusk patent technology) that utilises corn husks in the surface structure of the tyres, allowing for superior acoustic performance applied to the tyre grooves to disperse noise by between 1.2 ~ 1.7 dBA.

EV drivers are more eco-conscious than most, and the iON GT walks the talk. It’s made with up to 77 per cent sustainable materials, including plant-based oils and resin, bio-circular synthetic rubber from bio-circular feedstocks, as well as circular carbon black from tyre pyrolysis oil and recovered carbon black from end-of-life cycle tyres.

That means lower environmental impact from day one without compromising safety, durability or performance. It’s a tyre that complements your choice to drive electric, both in function and in philosophy.

Plus, the iON GT has earned Triple-A EU Label Ratings for rolling resistance, wet grip and noise. It’s proof that you don’t have to choose between performance and planet.

Instant torque is one of the hallmarks of electric cars. But while it’s fun to launch off the line, it also puts serious pressure on your tyres. That’s where Hankook’s Grip Boost compound and advanced tread reinforcement come in.

ProGrip tread mixture ensures better adhesion on wet surfaces, improving wet grip by five per cent and cornering stiffness by 10 per cent through a combination of high-density silica and other sustainable raw materials.

The iON GT is designed to handle sudden surges in torque, keeping your EV stable and planted even in quick acceleration or tight corners. Whether you're driving a rear-drive hatch or an all-wheel-drive dual-motor SUV, iON GT tyres give you confidence at every turn.

The Hankook iON GT isn’t just for performance EVs. It’s available in a wide range of sizes and fitments, covering everything from small city EVs that are at home in Melbourne’s laneways to large electric SUVs that take families up and down the highway each summer holiday. And with the launch of iON GT SUV, larger vehicles can enjoy the same blend of comfort, range, and confidence.

iON tyres are fitted as original equipment on several leading EVs, proving they meet the standards of top global manufacturers.

Hankook doesn’t just stand behind the performance of the iON GT, they back it with two standout customer guarantees. These policies aren’t just about ticking boxes, they’re about giving you confidence at every stage of your EV journey.

Not 100% happy with your new iON GT tyres? Return them within 30 days for a full refund. No questions asked. It’s a risk-free way to upgrade your EV’s tyres and see the difference for yourself.

Electric vehicles are evolving, and your tyres should, too. While traditional tyres might still get the job done, they weren’t built with electric motors, regenerative braking, or battery weight in mind.

The Hankook iON GT is. With a focus on range, quiet comfort, sustainability and torque-ready grip, it unlocks a better, more efficient, more enjoyable EV experience. Get your Hankook iON GT EV tyres in time for your summer road trip.