Michelin Pilot Sport EV vs Hankook iON evo SUV: Get ready for an electrifying showdown between two of the top contenders in the electric vehicle tire arena: the Michelin Pilot Sport EV and the Hankook iON evo SUV. Both tires are specifically engineered to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles, setting the stage for a thrilling comparison.
On one side, we have the Michelin Pilot Sport EV, renowned for its exceptional grip and durability, designed to maximize the driving experience of sporty EVs. On the other, the Hankook iON evo SUV steps into the ring with its innovative technology tailored for electric SUVs, promising comfort and longevity. This battle isn’t just about rubber hitting the road; it’s a glimpse into the future of EV performance. Who will take the lead in this high-voltage duel? Stay tuned!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport EV vs Hankook iON evo SUV
Results below were taken from 2024 Auto Bild EV Summer tire test with a total of 9 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport EV vs Hankook iON evo SUV based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Sport EV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a KIA EV6 which is an compact electric powered crossover SUV.
Battery Range
Diving straight into what matters most to electric vehicle owners, let’s explore the battery range performance between the Michelin Pilot Sport EV and the Hankook iON evo SUV. When it comes to rolling resistance, a key factor affecting battery range, the Michelin Pilot Sport EV shows a slight advantage. It registers a rolling resistance of 6.55 N/kN, which is slightly lower than the Hankook iON evo SUV’s 6.88 N/kN. This difference suggests that the Michelin tire might help conserve a bit more energy, potentially translating to slightly longer battery life or a few extra kilometers per charge, giving it an edge in efficiency.
iON evo SUV:
- –5% in rolling resistance
Wet
With Michelin taking the lead in rolling resistance, how would it fare on wet surfaces? In wet braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Michelin Pilot Sport EV stops in 43.3 meters, while the Hankook iON evo SUV requires only 39.4 meters, showing a significant 3.9 meters shorter stopping distance in Hankook’s favor. However, in wet handling, where control and speed are tested, the Michelin trails slightly with an average speed of 56.2 km/h compared to Hankook’s 57.1 km/h, giving Hankook a marginal advantage in maneuverability.
In the wet circle test, measuring time to complete a circle on a wet track, the Michelin Pilot Sport EV clocks 12.95 seconds, marginally faster than the Hankook’s 13.11 seconds, indicating better grip in consistent circular motion for Michelin. For straight aquaplaning, where higher speeds indicate better water clearance, Michelin achieves 93.2 km/h, slightly behind Hankook’s 94.4 km/h. Lastly, in curved aquaplaning, measuring maximum lateral acceleration, Michelin manages 2.7 m/sec², lower than Hankook’s 2.99 m/sec², suggesting that Hankook maintains better stability and control when cornering on wet surfaces.
Overall, while Michelin leads in rolling resistance, Hankook showcases superior performance in most wet conditions, offering shorter braking distances and better handling and stability on slippery roads.
iON evo SUV:
- +10% in wet braking
- +2% in wet handling (average speed)
- -1% in wet circle
- +1% in straight aquaplaning
- +11% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
Turning our attention to dry conditions, the competition between the Michelin Pilot Sport EV and the Hankook iON evo SUV reveals a close match. In the crucial test of dry braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Michelin stops in 35 meters, whereas the Hankook iON evo SUV demonstrates a slight edge by stopping at 33 meters, which is a 2 meters shorter distance. This suggests that the Hankook tire might offer a bit more safety and control during emergency stops on dry roads.
As for dry handling, which tests the average speed a tire can maintain through a specific course, the results are almost neck-and-neck. The Michelin Pilot Sport EV records an average speed of 70.1 km/h, closely followed by the Hankook with 70.2 km/h. This minor difference of 0.1 km/h indicates that both tires perform similarly in maintaining speed and control while navigating through dry handling courses.
Overall, in dry conditions, while both tires show competitive handling capabilities, the Hankook iON evo SUV takes a slight lead in braking performance.
iON evo SUV:
- +6% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (average speed)
Noise
The Hankook iON evo SUV, with its advanced foam technology, registers a significantly lower exterior noise level at 68.6 dB compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport EV’s 71.3 dB. This difference of 2.7 dB suggests that Hankook’s tire provides a quieter and more comfortable driving experience, likely due to its noise-reducing foam technology.
iON evo SUV:
- +4% in exterior noise (-2.7 dB)
Price
The Hankook iON evo SUV is priced at €167, making it 16% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport EV, which costs €194 for the same tire size of 235/35 R19. This price difference makes the Hankook tire a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
Difference: -16% more cheaper for iON evo SUV.
Summary
As a tire expert, my analysis highlights distinct advantages for each tire, making the choice dependent on specific driving preferences and priorities. In my eyes, the safety aspect of the Hankook iON evo SUV, particularly in wet and dry braking, stands out as a significant advantage. It offers shorter stopping distances in both conditions, which could be crucial for safety during emergency braking scenarios. This makes the iON evo SUV a compelling choice for those who prioritize safety and performance in diverse weather conditions.
On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Sport EV excels in rolling resistance, which contributes to better fuel efficiency and a potentially longer range for electric vehicles. This feature is particularly advantageous for EV owners looking to maximize their vehicle’s performance in terms of energy consumption and sustainability.
Overall, both tires have their merits, but if safety in braking is a top priority, the Hankook iON evo SUV appears to be the better choice, despite the Michelin Pilot Sport EV’s superior rolling resistance.
Dr Edwin Pang