Hankook Tire tops Auto Bild's 2026 EV all-weather tire test

Hankook Tire & Technology announced Tuesday that its iON FlexClimate all-weather tire, developed exclusively for electric vehicles, took first place overall in Auto Bild's 2026 EV-specific all-season tire test, conducted by the influential German automotive magazine.

The test evaluated 215/55 R18 all-season tires from eight global brands, mounted on Kia's EV3 electric SUV. Assessors measured braking and handling performance across dry, wet and snowy road conditions, alongside mileage, rolling resistance and driving noise.

The iON FlexClimate was recognized for its performance and durability. It was the only tire in the test developed exclusively for electric vehicles, earning top scores for wet braking, wet handling and cornering, and recording a projected maximum mileage of 54,560 kilometers.

The iON FlexClimate belongs to iON, the world's first full-lineup EV-exclusive tire brand, and is the all-weather product within that range to carry the 3PMSF certification mark required for winter use in Europe.

The tire also claimed first place in Auto Bild's EV-specific all-season tire test last year, reinforcing Hankook's standing as a leader in the EV tire segment.

Meanwhile, Hankook's iON lineup continues to build recognition in the European market on the strength of ongoing technology development. The iON evo performance tire has earned Auto Bild's top rating for three consecutive years since 2023.

Hankook also supplied its iON Race — the official electric racing tire of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship — for rounds 12 and 13 of Season 12, the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix, which recently concluded, further demonstrating the company's electric racing tire technology.