Hankook tire, priced AED 350–900, powers Dubai's Tesla drivers in 2025 with EV-specific innovations like iON evo AS and iON evo, tailored for Model 3, Model Y, and Model S. With the UAE tyre market nearing USD 455.2 million by 2030, these ESMA-compliant tyres tackle Sheikh Zayed Road's 140 km/h speeds, Downtown Dubai's urban flow, Al Qudra's desert trails, and rare rains. Featuring iON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY (low rolling resistance, noise reduction), they promise range efficiency and quietness. But can Hankook tire redefine Tesla performance in the UAE's harsh conditions? This guide explores their EV tech and road reliability.

Hankook's EV Tyre Technology

Founded in 1941 in South Korea, Hankook Tire & Technology produces 102 million tyres annually, supplying Tesla (Model 3, Model Y), BMW, and Audi. Its iON line, launched in 2022, targets EVs with:

  • i Sound Absorber: Noise Guard and Opti Pitch reduce road noise (~67–68 dB) via foam and pitch sequencing, critical for silent EVs.

  • i Super Mileage: High-silica compounds and RoundОс Even Technology extend tread life, countering EV battery weight (30% heavier than ICE vehicles).

  • i Extreme Lightness: Opti Cure lowers rolling resistance, boosting range by ~6% (~32 km on a 500 km EV).

  • i Super Grip: Progrip Compound and Grip Claw 3D sipes enhance wet/dry traction (~34–35 meters braking).

Hankook's 2023 Formula E partnership showcases its EV grip, earning a 4.2/5 UAE rating, though some note softer handling than Michelin.

UAE's Driving Demands

Dubai's Tesla drivers face:

  • 50°C Heat: Softens compounds, risking wear.

  • City Driving: Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai demand low noise (~67–68 dB) and stability at 60–140 km/h.

  • Desert Trails: Al Qudra's sand requires traction at 15–20 PSI.

  • Rare Showers: Need wet grip for safety.

  • Range Sensitivity: Tesla's 400–500 km range needs low rolling resistance.

  • Abrasive Asphalt: Tests tread longevity.

Hankook's EV tyres aim to optimize efficiency, quietness, and durability for these conditions.

Top Hankook EV Tyres

1. iON evo AS

  • Specs: 235/45R18–255/45R20, A/A label, 50,000-mile warranty, all-season EV touring.

  • Features: Noise Guard for quietness (~67 dB), Opti Cure for range (~245 Wh/mi), Progrip for wet grip (~35 meters braking).

  • Price: AED 400–700.

  • Best For: Tesla Model 3 commuters.

2. iON evo

  • Specs: 235/40R19–275/35R21, A/A label, 50,000-mile warranty, summer EV performance.

  • Features: Grip Boost for cornering (10% stiffer), ProDurable Compound for durability, low noise (~68 dB).

  • Price: AED 500–900.

  • Best For: Tesla Model S sporty drivers.

3. Ventus S1 evo3

  • Specs: 235/40R19–255/45R19, A/A label, 40,000-mile warranty, summer performance.

  • Features: Interlocking grooves for wet grip (~34 meters braking), sound-absorbing foam (~68 dB), low rolling resistance.

  • Price: AED 450–800.

  • Best For: Tesla Model Y performance.

4. Ventus S1 AS

  • Specs: 235/45R18–255/45R20, AA/A label, 50,000-mile warranty, all-season performance.

  • Features: Foam lining for quietness (~67 dB), high-silica compound for wet grip (~35 meters braking), durable tread.

  • Price: AED 350–700.

  • Best For: Tesla Model 3 RWD daily drivers.

Performance in UAE

Noise Reduction

On Sheikh Zayed Road at 80 km/h:

  • iON evo AS: 4.4/5, ~67 dB for Model 3, whisper-quiet.

  • iON evo: 4.2/5, ~68 dB for Model S, hushed.

  • Ventus S1 evo3: 4.1/5, ~68 dB for Model Y, minimal hum.

  • Ventus S1 AS: 4.3/5, ~67 dB for Model 3 RWD, serene.

iON evo AS leads, followed by Ventus S1 AS.

Range Efficiency

After 500 km (245–288 Wh/mi):

  • iON evo AS: 4.3/5, ~245 Wh/mi for Model 3, adds ~30 km range.

  • iON evo: 4.1/5, ~260 Wh/mi for Model S, adds ~20 km.

  • Ventus S1 evo3: 4.0/5, ~265 Wh/mi for Model Y, adds ~15 km.

  • Ventus S1 AS: 4.2/5, ~250 Wh/mi for Model 3 RWD, adds ~25 km.

iON evo AS excels, followed by Ventus S1 AS.

Heat Resistance

In 50°C after 500 km:

  • iON evo AS: 4.2/5, durable for Model 3, minimal wear.

  • iON evo: 4.1/5, robust for Model S, slight softening.

  • Ventus S1 evo3: 4.0/5, reliable for Model Y, minor wear.

  • Ventus S1 AS: 4.1/5, resilient for Model 3 RWD, minimal softening.

iON evo AS leads, followed by iON evo.

Wet Grip

In simulated rain:

  • iON evo AS: 4.2/5, Progrip grips (~35 meters braking) for Model 3, secure in showers.

  • iON evo: 4.3/5, Grip Boost grips (~34 meters braking) for Model S, confident in heavy rain.

  • Ventus S1 evo3: 4.2/5, interlocking grooves grip (~34 meters braking) for Model Y, reliable in wet.

  • Ventus S1 AS: 4.1/5, high-silica grips (~35 meters braking) for Model 3 RWD, decent in rain.

iON evo leads, followed by iON evo AS.

City Handling

In Downtown Dubai at 60–100 km/h:

  • iON evo AS: 4.2/5, smooth for Model 3, quiet (~67 dB).

  • iON evo: 4.3/5, precise for Model S, hushed (~68 dB).

  • Ventus S1 evo3: 4.1/5, responsive for Model Y, minimal hum (~68 dB).

  • Ventus S1 AS: 4.2/5, stable for Model 3 RWD, serene (~67 dB).

iON evo excels, followed by iON evo AS.

Off-Road Traction

On Al Qudra trails at 15–20 PSI:

  • iON evo AS: 3.5/5, fair traction for Model 3, light sand grip.

  • iON evo: 3.3/5, summer-focused for Model S, minimal desert grip.

  • Ventus S1 evo3: 3.4/5, performance-oriented for Model Y, limited sand traction.

  • Ventus S1 AS: 3.5/5, all-season grips for Model 3 RWD, decent in light sand.

iON evo AS and Ventus S1 AS tie, followed by Ventus S1 evo3.

Durability

On abrasive roads after 1000 km:

  • iON evo AS: 50,000–60,000 km, resilient for Model 3, 55,000 km noted.

  • iON evo: 45,000–55,000 km, fair for Model S, 50,000 km reported.

  • Ventus S1 evo3: 40,000–50,000 km, moderate for Model Y, 45,000 km seen.

  • Ventus S1 AS: 50,000–60,000 km, durable for Model 3 RWD, 55,000 km observed.

iON evo AS and Ventus S1 AS lead, followed by iON evo.

Comparison with Competitors

Hankook (AED 350–900) vs. Michelin (AED 400–1200), Pirelli (AED 450–1200), Goodyear (AED 300–900):

  • Noise Reduction: iON evo AS (4.4/5, ~67 dB) beats Pirelli (4.3/5, ~67 dB), trails Michelin (4.5/5, ~66 dB), matches Goodyear (4.4/5, ~67 dB).

  • Range Efficiency: iON evo AS (245 Wh/mi) beats Pirelli (260 Wh/mi), Goodyear (250 Wh/mi), trails Michelin (240 Wh/mi).

  • Heat Resistance: iON evo AS (4.2/5) trails Michelin (4.4/5), matches Goodyear (4.2/5), beats Pirelli (4.0/5).

  • Wet Grip: iON evo (4.3/5) trails Michelin (4.4/5), matches Goodyear (4.3/5), beats Pirelli (4.2/5).

  • City Handling: iON evo (4.3/5) trails Michelin (4.5/5), matches Goodyear (4.3/5), beats Pirelli (4.2/5).

  • Off-Road Traction: iON evo AS (3.5/5) trails Goodyear (4.0/5), matches Pirelli (3.5/5), beats Michelin (3.3/5).

  • Durability: iON evo AS (50,000–60,000 km) trails Michelin (70,000–90,000 km), matches Goodyear (50,000–70,000 km), beats Pirelli (40,000–60,000 km).

  • Price: Hankook is cheaper than Michelin/Pirelli, matches Goodyear.

Hankook excels in efficiency and quietness but lags Michelin in longevity.

Risks and Concerns

  • Tread Life: iON evo wears by 50,000 km, shorter than Michelin's 90,000 km.

  • Wet Grip: Ventus S1 AS struggles in heavy rain, risking aquaplaning.

  • Foam Issues: Some report iON evo AS foam separating, causing vibrations after 10,000 km.

  • Handling: iON evo AS is softer, reducing sportiness for Model S.

  • Off-Road Limits: All models falter in deep sand, unsuitable for heavy desert use.

  • Stock Availability: Sizes like 275/35R21 may be limited in UAE.

These suggest caution for aggressive or off-road-heavy drivers.

Buying and Maintenance Tips

  • Match Sizes: Ensure compatibility, like 235/45R18 for iON evo AS on Model 3.

  • Check ESMA: Confirm 1.6 mm tread depth compliance.

  • Inspect DOT: Choose 2024 tyres (2324) for heat resistance.

  • Seek Deals: Look for “buy 3, get 1 included” in 2025 Ramadan sales.

  • Read Reviews: Check UAE Tesla driver feedback on noise and efficiency, especially for iON evo AS.

  • Maintain Properly: Rotate every 5,000–10,000 km, keep 42 PSI (15–20 PSI for desert), replace at 1.6 mm. Store spares below 25°C, align wheels every 15,000 km.

  • Be Prepared: Carry repair kits for E11 or Al Qudra trips.

Where to Buy

Hankook tire is available at tyre retailers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, online and in-store. Online platforms offer price comparisons and mobile fitment, while local shops provide instant installation. Seek ESMA-compliant stock and 2025 promotions.

Conclusion

Hankook tire, priced AED 350–900, brings EV innovation to Dubai's 2025 Tesla drivers with iON evo AS (4.4/5 noise) for Model 3 commuters, iON evo (4.3/5 handling) for Model S enthusiasts, Ventus S1 evo3 (4.2/5 grip) for Model Y sporty drivers, and Ventus S1 AS (4.3/5 quietness) for Model 3 RWD, all ESMA-compliant. Matching Goodyear in efficiency and surpassing Pirelli in quietness, Hankook trails Michelin in durability but excels for range-conscious drivers. Shop at tyre retailers for innovative, reliable EV tyres.