SPONSORED CONTENT — Premium tyre manufacturer, Hankook Tire, has shared the findings of a survey, commissioned from Zapmap, to explore key priorities for electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivers when selecting and purchasing tyres.
While differences in the nature of vehicle weights, noise levels and handling mean that tyres are an important consideration of EV/PHEV ownership, the topic has not historically received much attention.
The survey, conducted in November 2024, was completed by 3,500 members of the Zapmap EV Survey panel. Respondents identified handling and traction, energy efficiency and mileage as the most important factors when considering tyre quality and performance.
While 44% had yet to need to change tyres on their EV/PHEV, the majority of respondents (70%) were aware that there are tyres specifically designed for EV/PHEV cars, with 56% considering that choice, quality and brand of tyre is more important when selecting tyres for EV/PHEVs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles.
Survey sponsor Hankook's iON tyre range illustrates the expanding number of different EV tyre options now available for drivers.
Hankook has identified that tyres fitted on EVs wear out approximately 20% faster with uneven wear than on ICE vehicles, due to increased weight. By optimising contact, specialist tyres can offer even wear and extended tread life. Hankook iON evo is a summer performance tyre that meets EV requirements while offering high grip for enhanced driving performance. Hankook iON evo tyres also offer lower noise, low rolling resistance and lightness.
When asked which performance aspects Hankook iON particularly meets, survey respondents highlighted energy efficiency (53%) and handling and grip (45%). This finding echoes an internal Hankook analysis of approximately 900 consumer comments on UK EV specialist community channels, which revealed high satisfaction with Hankook Tire’s grip and handling. Consumers cited the ability to meet the high load and torque demands of EVs, as well as noise reduction, as key reasons for choosing Hankook over other tyre brands.
54% of respondents said sustainability was somewhat or very important when choosing tyres, with nearly 30% identifying it as the most important factor. With EV/PHEV drivers already aware of the economic and environmental benefits of driving an EV, it's no surprise that these factors are also key when selecting tyres. Hankook Tire seeks to address this concern through its selection of materials for the iON GT, 77% of which are sustainable. When considering the importance of sustainability, respondents pointed to concerns including environmental benefits, ethical sourcing, the associated cost benefits of a longer tyre lifespan and the practical benefits of changing tyres less often.
Drivers can also look to EU tyre labels as a source of clear information on the safety and environmental characteristics of a tyre, with labels being split into three categories: fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise. Hankook’s iON evo & GT range, designed for Battery EVs and Plug-in Hybrids, is rated Triple A class across all three categories.
For more information visit www.hankooktire.com
