Hankook Tire introduces iON HT highway-terrain tire for electric light-duty trucks

Hankook Tire America has introduced the iON HT, a highway-terrain tire specifically designed for electric light-duty trucks, highlighting improved load capacity, low rolling resistance and high durability. The tire addresses unique technical demands of electric truck platforms, including support for heavier weight due to large battery packs and cargo.

Engineered with an “XL” load designation, the iON HT offers enhanced strength and rigidity suitable for heavy electric battery packs and typical cargo loads. Its Roll Lite Compound combined with Opti Cure Technology reduces internal friction and optimizes curing temperatures, significantly lowering rolling resistance and enhancing battery efficiency in EV applications.

The tire also features a ProDurable Compound alongside Opti Tread Technology, evenly distributing road pressure to achieve tread life up to 80,000 miles, among the highest-rated for EV-specific tires. Additionally, structured 3D-Embossed Sipes and flared shoulder grooves improve water evacuation and traction, particularly under wet conditions. The aggressive shoulder block design and reinforced iON Clad construction provide external impact resistance without compromising ride comfort.

“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, and perfectly embodies the kind of innovation our iON line has come to represent for the industry.”

The tire will be commercially available beginning August 2025, initially offered in five sizes, from 18 to 22 inches, with Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) ratings of 900/A/A, and speed ratings of T or H. Hankook’s iON HT tire joins its wider iON product lineup, comprising all-season, summer and winter tires designed specifically for electric vehicle applications.

Source: Hankook Tire America