Hankook iON evo SUV vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport: In the realm of dedicated EV tires, the Hankook iON evo SUV stands out for its specialized design tailored to the unique demands of electric vehicles. However, can a classic, EV-ready summer tire like the Bridgestone Potenza Sport challenge the highly specific Hankook iON evo SUV in performance and suitability for electric vehicles? Let’s explore how these two contenders compare.
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Results: Hankook iON evo SUV vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport
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 Hankook iON evo SUV vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook iON evo SUV 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
Battery range is the biggest requirement for EV users right now. In comparing the battery range performances of the Hankook iON evo SUV and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, there is a clear difference.
The Hankook iON evo SUV, with a rolling resistance of 6.88 N/kN, shows superior efficiency compared to the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, which has a rolling resistance of 9.1 N/kN. This difference translates directly to energy consumption, where the Hankook tire consumes 18.83 kWh/100km, while the Bridgestone consumes 20.66 kWh/100km. The lower energy consumption of the Hankook iON evo SUV indicates it can significantly extend the battery range compared to the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.
Potenza Sport:
- -24% in rolling resistance
- -9% in energy consumption
Wet
When comparing the wet performance of the Hankook iON evo SUV and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, it’s evident that both tires have strengths and weaknesses.
In wet braking, both tires perform equally well, stopping at 39.4 meters from 100 km/h to 0 km/h. However, in wet handling, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport has an edge, achieving an average speed of 59.2 km/h compared to the Hankook iON evo SUV’s 57.1 km/h. In the wet circle test, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport completes the lap slightly faster at 12.88 seconds, while the Hankook takes 13.11 seconds.
Both tires match in straight aquaplaning resistance with a maximum slipping speed of 94.4 km/h. Despite the higher rolling resistance, the Hankook iON evo SUV manages to handle the target conflict of rolling resistance versus wet braking really well, maintaining equal wet braking performance to the Bridgestone Potenza Sport while offering the advantage of better energy efficiency.
Potenza Sport:
- 0% in wet braking
- +4% in wet handling (average speed)
- +2% in wet circle
- ~0% in straight aquaplaning
Mileage
The second biggest requirement for EV users right now is mileage, especially since high-inch tires usually cost a lot. When comparing the mileage performances of the Hankook iON evo SUV and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, there is a significant difference. The Hankook iON evo SUV demonstrates remarkable durability, with a wear performance of 35,695 km, almost doubling the Bridgestone Potenza Sport’s 18,530 km.
In terms of abrasion, the Hankook tire loses 1,141 grams of material compared to the Bridgestone’s 2,093 grams. This indicates that the Hankook iON evo SUV not only lasts longer but also wears down at a much slower rate than the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, making it a more cost-effective and durable choice for EV users concerned with tire longevity.
Potenza Sport:
- -48% in mileage
- -45% in abrasion
Dry
When comparing the dry performances of the Hankook iON evo SUV and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, the differences are clear. In dry braking, the Hankook iON evo SUV stops slightly sooner, taking 33 meters to brake from 100 km/h to 0 km/h, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport takes 34 meters.
In dry handling, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport has a slight advantage with an average speed of 70.7 km/h, compared to the Hankook iON evo SUV’s 70.2 km/h. Overall, the Hankook iON evo SUV performs slightly better in dry braking, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport has a marginal edge in dry handling.
Potenza Sport:
- -3% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (average speed)
Noise
When comparing the noise performances of the Hankook iON evo SUV and the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, the Hankook tire is noticeably quieter. The Hankook iON evo SUV produces 68.6 dB, whereas the Bridgestone Potenza Sport generates 71.2 dB. This difference of 2.6 dB indicates that the Hankook iON evo SUV provides a quieter ride, which can significantly enhance the driving experience, especially for EV users who prioritize a silent cabin environment.
Potenza Sport:
- -4% in exterior noise (+2.6 dB)
Price
When comparing the tire prices for size 235/35 R19, the Hankook iON evo SUV costs €167, while the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is priced at €148. This makes the Bridgestone Potenza Sport 13% cheaper than the Hankook iON evo SUV, offering a more budget-friendly option for buyers.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
Difference: -13% more cheaper for Potenza Sport.
Summary
As a tire expert, I would choose the Hankook iON evo SUV as my preferred EV tire between the two. Despite the Bridgestone Potenza Sport being 13% cheaper, the Hankook iON evo SUV excels in key areas critical for EV users. It offers significantly better mileage, with almost double the wear performance, ensuring longer-lasting durability and better value over time.
The Hankook tire also has superior energy efficiency, consuming less energy per 100 km, which directly translates to an extended battery range—a top priority for EV drivers. Additionally, the Hankook iON evo SUV provides a quieter ride, which enhances the overall driving experience. While both tires perform well in wet and dry conditions, the Hankook iON evo SUV’s advantages in efficiency, longevity, and noise reduction make it the superior choice for electric vehicle owners.
Dr Edwin Pang