Hankook Tire has unveiled the Hankook iON HT, a highway-terrain tire designed specifically for electric light-duty trucks. According to the manufacturer, the iON HT brings all-season versatility, enhanced durability, and lower rolling resistance to the EV truck market.
The tire features iON’s Innovative Technology, aimed at addressing the unique challenges of electric platforms, such as heavier battery packs and the need for optimized energy efficiency. Its XL load designation ensures added strength and rigidity for cargo-heavy, daily-use applications, Hankook said.
“Electric vehicles, especially in the emerging light-duty truck category, bring new challenges and place unique demands on their tires,” said Rob Williams, President, Hankook Tire America Corp. “The iON HT is built from the ground up to deliver exceptional EV performance. It perfectly embodies the kind of innovation our iON line has come to represent for the industry.”
Hankook iON HT Features EV-Specific Technology
Hankook said the iON HT incorporates low rolling resistance and long-lasting tread life, supporting battery efficiency and reducing energy loss. Hankook’s Roll Lite Compound and Opti Cure Technology work in tandem to reduce internal friction and optimize curing temperature.
ProDurable Compound and Opti Tread Technology contribute to wear resistance by evenly distributing road pressure, the company said. The result is a projected tread life of up to 80,000 miles.
New 3D-Embossed Sipe and flared shoulder grooves ensure consistent grip and water evacuation in all conditions. Combined with aggressive shoulder block design and iON Clad construction, the tire balances external impact protection with ride comfort, according to Hankook.
“One thing that we’ve really optimized is the curing process,” said Robert Nasca, product & marketing training manager at Hankook. “We first make the tire on a computer, do 3D models, and go through testing. When we’re actually making the tire, I consider it like making a cake. We’re able to optimize the curing process so we know exactly what’s going into it. Our research and development team spend a lot of time seeing what the right temperature and equipment are needed for the optimized curing process.”
Public Debut at Electrify Expo in Los Angeles
Hankook showcased the iON HT for the first time at the 2025 Electrify Expo at the Port of Los Angeles, and Tire Review was there to check it out. Located in the Demo District, the company highlighted its full lineup of iON EV tires.
“[The Electrify Expo] is a great chance to focus on grassroots marketing,” Nasca explained. “With events like this, we’re able to meet the consumers. A lot of them don’t have EVs or they’re not very familiar with them. They’re able to come here and see what it’s all about.”
Hankook showcased the iON HT for the first time at the 2025 Electrify Expo at the Port of Los Angeles, and Tire Review was there to check it out.
The iON HT joins Hankook’s existing iON range of all-season, summer, and winter tires built specifically for EVs. It will be available in sizes ranging from 18–22 in. starting in August. It comes with UTQG ratings of 900/A/A and speed ratings of T or H.
