Hankook Tire to supply EV tires for Volkswagen’s Cupra Born

(Hankook Tire & Technology)

Hankook Tire & Technology Co. said on Tuesday it will supply its electric vehicle (EV) performance tire, the iON Evo, for the Cupra Born, an electric family hatchback model under Volkswagen Group’s high-performance brand Cupra.

The Born is Cupra’s flagship EV, equipped with a rear-wheel-drive electric motor that delivers up to 230 horsepower. It can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.6 seconds and offers a maximum range of 551 kilometers on a single charge.

Based on close collaboration with Cupra, Hankook Tire developed a dedicated tire optimized for the agile driving dynamics of electric hatchbacks.

Supplied in 20-inch size, the iON Evo features Hankook Tire’s proprietary iON Innovative Technology, which balances four key performance areas – low noise, improved mileage, superior grip, and reduced rolling resistance.

The tire enhances cornering stiffness by 10 percent, while a super-fiber aramid hybrid belt improves high-speed stability.

Cabin noise is reduced by up to 18 percent, providing a quieter driving experience. Rolling resistance – a key factor affecting EV range – has been significantly reduced, improving energy efficiency by up to 6 percent.

The tire’s unique compound, made with high-concentration silica and eco-friendly materials, along with an optimized tread profile, minimizes uneven wear and increases mileage by up to 15 percent.