Hankook iON evo EV tire Selected for Cupra Raval in Europe

Hankook EV Tire Selected for Cupra Raval

South Korea’s Hankook Tire & Technology announced on August 13 that its Hankook iON evo EV tire will be supplied as original equipment for European-market Cupra Raval hatchbacks from Volkswagen Group. The tire will be offered in a 19-inch size and has been developed specifically for electric vehicles, addressing the additional demands created by their higher weight and the instantaneous high torque produced by electric motors. The OE agreement positions Hankook’s EV-focused product within a European vehicle program and highlights the growing role of specialized tires in supporting the performance, efficiency and refinement requirements of battery-electric passenger cars.

EV-Specific Construction Targets Handling and Stability

The iON evo uses EV-optimized contour technology and an aramid hybrid reinforcement belt to improve cornering stiffness and stability during high-speed driving. These features are intended to manage the dynamic characteristics of electric vehicles, where mass distribution, battery weight and immediate motor torque can place different demands on tires compared with conventional powertrains. By combining the reinforced construction with a contour developed for EV applications, the tire is designed to maintain predictable handling while supporting the driving characteristics expected from a performance-oriented electric hatchback. The 19-inch original-equipment fitment also provides a specification tailored to the European-market Raval.

Noise Reduction and Efficiency Benefits

Noise and efficiency are additional areas targeted by the tire’s design. Specialized noise-reduction technology can reduce cabin noise by up to 18%, addressing the greater prominence of tire and road noise in quieter electric vehicles. Hankook also states that the tire can improve energy efficiency by up to 6% through reduced rolling resistance, while optimized resistance to irregular wear can support mileage performance gains of up to 15%. These improvements are particularly relevant to EV users because lower rolling resistance can help preserve usable driving energy, while stronger mileage performance can reduce the frequency of tire replacement. Together, the claimed benefits target both vehicle refinement and operating efficiency.

European EV Program Expands OE Application

The OE supply agreement connects Hankook’s EV tire technology with the European-market Cupra Raval program under Volkswagen Group. The Raval is positioned as an electric hatchback, making the application relevant to the broader development of performance-focused EVs in Europe. For Hankook, the supply also expands the visibility of its dedicated electric-vehicle tire portfolio through a production vehicle rather than an aftermarket application. The combination of EV-specific construction, lower cabin noise, energy-efficiency benefits and extended mileage performance reflects how tire suppliers are adapting products to the distinct operating requirements of electric passenger vehicles. The program also strengthens the role of specialized tire technology in EV development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tire will Hankook supply for the Cupra Raval?
Hankook will supply its iON evo tire as original equipment for European-market Cupra Raval models in a 19-inch size. The product was specifically developed for electric vehicles and incorporates technologies intended to address their higher weight, instant motor torque and distinct driving characteristics. Its construction includes EV-optimized contour technology and an aramid hybrid reinforcement belt for improved cornering stiffness and high-speed stability. Hankook also highlights noise reduction, lower rolling resistance and improved resistance to irregular wear as key benefits for electric-vehicle applications.

What efficiency and performance benefits does the tire provide?
The tire is designed to deliver several benefits relevant to electric vehicle operation, including up to 6% improved energy efficiency and up to 15% better mileage performance. Hankook attributes the efficiency improvement to reduced rolling resistance, while its design also addresses irregular wear to support longer mileage. Specialized noise-reduction technology can lower cabin noise by up to 18%, helping improve refinement in quieter electric vehicles. The combination of handling stability, efficiency, mileage and noise characteristics makes the tire suitable for the operating requirements of modern performance-oriented electric passenger cars.