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Hankook Tire supplies EV tires for Xiaomi’s electric SUV

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By Lee Min-hyung
  • Published KST
Hankook Tire's iON evo SUV high-performance tire / Courtesy of Hankook Tire

Hankook Tire's iON evo SUV high-performance tire / Courtesy of Hankook Tire

Hankook Tire has started supplying its high-performance tires to Xiaomi’s first electric crossover SUV, the YU7, the Korean tiremaker said Monday.

The latest achievement will help the tire manufacturer expand its presence in the lucrative Chinese market. Hankook Tire teamed up with Xiaomi to develop the tires, which are optimized for the vehicle.

The iON evo SUV will be supplied as original equipment tires for the electric SUV. The XU7 can travel up to 760 kilometers on a single charge, according to China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle standards.

The tire offers balanced driving characteristics, such as superior grip, responsive handling and strong braking performance, which the tire firm said ensures safe and stable driving across diverse road conditions.

The high-performance tire is also optimized to handle high torque and heavier loads as well as meeting the growing demand for quietness on the road. All these features are critical for electric SUVs.

Hankook Tire applied a high-load tire profile designed to evenly distribute ground pressure, along with enhanced cornering stiffness for improved handling. The tire also features an aramid hybrid reinforcement belt, which is considered one of the most advanced super fibers available. The company also used an EV-specific compound that maintains traction on both dry and wet surfaces. This enables safe driving year-round.

The partnership with Xiaomi marks a milestone for Hankook Tire, positioning the company to deepen ties with leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers and elevate its brand awareness in the world’s largest EV market.

The collaboration also displays the firm’s commitment to leveraging its cutting-edge technology to expand its footprint in China’s premium EV tire sector.

“Hankook Tire will continue investing in innovation and solidify its premium global brand presence in China, so it can enhance its position in the fast-growing EV tire market,” a Hankook Tire official said.