Hankook launches first EV-specific CV tyre prototype at Solutrans
By Luke Willetts - 14th December 2023
The e-SMaRT AU56 City EV tyre at Solutrans
France / South Korea – Hankook Tire & Technology of Seongnam-si, South Korea, unveiled its first EV-specific developed CV tyre prototype at last month's Solutrans show hosted in Lyon. The e-SMaRT AU56 City product is set to go into series production in Q2 2024 and will be produced in a full range of sizes for drive and steer axles. The first tyres to roll off the production line will be in size 275/70 R22.5, designed for the urban electric bus market. According to Hankook, this is the first tyre specifically designed for the EV Commercial Vehicle (CV) tyre market.
Guy Heywood, Vice President of TBR Sales, Marketing and Strategy at Hankook Tire Europe, was on hand, to present the e-SMaRT AU56 City to the delegates at Solutrans. Heywood told the press that the first e-SMaRT tyres will be designed for urban mobility applications, with future ranges targeting short and regional haul markets.
