Currently, there isn't a lot of EV tyre testing performed so EV owners are in the dark about new EV specific options. For this reason, we are republishing data from a TUV report with the new Hankook iON FlexClimate vs some key rivals.
Usually we wouldn't publish this data as while TUV tests are independant, Hankook would have chosen the size, test vehicle and competitors, but as there's no test data out for the FlexCimate this is worth a republish. The test vehicle was a Tesla Model 3 Performance for the majority of tests, with the VW T6 stepping in for other duties such as aquaplaning.
The report shows the data as a percentage relative to the Hankook iON FlexClimate EV, with a higher percentage indicating better performance in all categories. To provide estimated real-world metrics as requested, a baseline value for the 100% performance level has been assumed for each test. For braking tests, where higher performance means a shorter distance, the calculation used is Baseline Value / Percentage. For all other tests, where higher performance means a higher value (e.g., speed or acceleration), the calculation is Baseline Value * Percentage.
Again, these are not REAL datapoints, but the percentage gaps are real.
Dry
Dry Braking
Dry Braking
Dry braking in meters (Lower is better)
Michelin CrossClimate 2
39.80 M
Hankook iON FlexClimate
40.00 M
Vredestein Quatrac Pro EV
42.30 M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2
42.70 M
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
44.90 M
Wet
Wet Braking
Wet Braking
Wet braking in meters (Lower is better)
Hankook iON FlexClimate
35.00 M
Michelin CrossClimate 2
36.90 M
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
37.60 M
Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2
38.60 M
Vredestein Quatrac Pro EV
42.00 M
Wet Circle
Wet Circle
Lateral wet grip in m/s squared (Higher is better)
As the benchmark tyre for this test, the Hankook iON FlexClimate EV demonstrated a consistently high and well-balanced performance across all tested disciplines. It set the 100% standard in every category, including snow performance, wet braking, lateral grip, aquaplaning resistance, and dry braking, showing no specific weaknesses in this comparison. This established it as a strong all-around performer against which the other tyres were measured.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 proved to be a standout performer in winter conditions and on dry roads. It was the clear leader in snow performance, delivering the best results in the group for both acceleration (102.7%) and handling (101.5%). It also achieved the shortest dry braking distance with a score of 100.4%. The tyre's relative weaknesses appeared in wet conditions, where it scored lower than the benchmark in aquaplaning resistance (93.7%), wet braking (94.9%), and lateral wet grip (94.8%).
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 delivered competent performance in wet and snow conditions but was ultimately held back by its performance on dry roads. Its strongest characteristic was its lateral wet grip, where it scored an impressive 98.8%. Its performance across all three snow categories was also consistent, with scores in the mid-90s. However, the tyre's most significant weakness was in dry braking, where it scored just 89.0%, the lowest in the entire test group.
The performance of the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 suggests a design that prioritizes wet conditions at the expense of snow capability. The tyre performed well in the wet, particularly in aquaplaning resistance (96.3%) and lateral wet grip (96.2%). This was contrasted by its main drawback, which was poor performance on snow, ranking near the bottom of the group in acceleration (88.8%), braking (89.2%), and handling (92.7%).
The Vredestein Quatrac Pro EV showed one area of notable strength but was otherwise characterized by significant trade-offs, especially in snow and wet braking. Its best performance was in lateral wet grip, where it achieved an excellent score of 97.8%. This was overshadowed by its struggles in winter conditions, where it posted the group's lowest scores in snow acceleration (84.2%), snow braking (81.6%), and snow handling (89.6%). Furthermore, it recorded the lowest scores for wet braking (83.4%) and aquaplaning resistance (89.4%).
