Hankook iON evo vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5: In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to the development of specialized tires designed to maximize their performance and efficiency. The Hankook iON evo and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 represent two distinct approaches to tire technology, with the former being a cutting-edge EV tire and the latter a well-regarded standard summer tire.
In this comparison, we will explore the unique features of each tire, highlighting the differences and benefits of an EV tire versus a conventional summer tire. Launched in 2022, the Hankook iON evo is the latest addition to the world of EV tires, while the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 made its debut back in 2022 as well. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of these two tire titans and uncover what sets them apart in the realm of performance, safety, and efficiency.
Table of Contents
New Feature Highlights:
Hankook iON evo : Double the Advantage
The iON evo challenges conventional trade-offs in pursuit of peak performance. Expertly crafted for electric vehicles, this tire seamlessly combines the finest aspects of both worlds.
Hankook iON evo : Double the Advantage
The iON evo has accomplished the rare feat of securing a hat-trick in the EU Tyre label grade, a remarkable achievement within the tire industry, and notably the first for an EV-specific tire.
Results
Results below were taken from the 2023 Auto Bild’s “Do you need specific tires for your EV vehicle test”. The graph below shows the comparison between Hankook iON evo vs Michelin Pilot Sport 5 based on the relevant performance category. The Hankook iON evo was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
The tire size of interest is 245/45 R19 which is a common tire size for Kia Sportage and BMW X4. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Tesla Model S packed with the capability of 442hp.
Wet
Unwaveringly, safety remains the paramount consideration regarding wet performance demands. It is known from our previous electric vehicle versus standard summer tire comparison that electric vehicle tires often underperformed in wet braking due to their significantly reduced tread depth. Nevertheless, we were astonished to witness the iON evo outperforming the premier tire in this ultra-high-performance segment, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, by a staggering 3.8 meters! Despite its superior wet braking capabilities, the wet handling was a rather closely contested affair, as the iON evo claimed victory by a mere +0.6 km/h in average lap speed.
In the realm of aquaplaning, the Pilot Sport 5 held the advantage with a considerably higher slipping speed of 2.8 km/h compared to the iON evo. In summary, the iON evo undoubtedly upholds its EU “A” level status in wet braking by dominating this particular segment, while maintaining a slight edge in wet handling. The only saving grace for the Pilot Sport 5 in wet conditions lies in aquaplaning.
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 :
- -8% in wet braking
- -0.8% in wet handling (average lap speed)
- +3.1% in straight aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, safety typically poses fewer difficulties, as braking distances are significantly extended compared to wet conditions. The iON evo maintained a marginal advantage by outperforming the Pilot Sport 5 by a mere 0.1 meter. These findings were not particularly striking, as it is acknowledged that electric vehicle-specific tires with reduced tread depth generally excel in dry braking.
Regarding dry handling proficiency, things were really close, with the Pilot Sport 5 eclipsing the iON evo by +0.8 km/h. Essentially, on dry surfaces, both tires demonstrated remarkably close performance, rendering it impossible to proclaim an unequivocal winner in this dry segment.
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 :
- -0.3% in dry braking
- +0.7% in dry handling (lap time)
Rolling Resistance
The iON evo, being a dedicated EV tire, undoubtedly must achieve a low rolling resistance target compared to the ultra-high-performance tire of the Pilot Sport 5. With the growing importance of sustainability, rolling resistance has emerged as a competitive marketing tool, as it is easily discernible in label values.
It came as no surprise that the iON evo attained the lowest rolling resistance value in the test, boasting a 6.2 N/kN coefficient value and an “A” label EU rating. In contrast, the Pilot Sport 5 registered a rolling resistance coefficient value of 7.7 N/kN. It is remarkable to observe how adeptly the iON evo managed to balance the rolling resistance and wet braking target conflict, as evidenced by its triple A EU label rating. However, a note of caution is warranted, as wear results were not included in this test, leaving the full potential sacrifice of having such a low tread depth unknown.
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 :
- -19% in rolling resistance
Noise & Comfort
As EV tires produce virtually no sound, the majority of noise pollution emanates from the tire itself. Consequently, it was unsurprising that the iON evo EV tire ranked higher than the Pilot Sport 5 in this regard. This outcome is primarily attributed to the iON evo’s low tread depth. Nevertheless, the Pilot Sport 5 managed to reclaim some prestige in the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) category by outperforming the iON evo in terms of comfort.
Comfort
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5 > iON evo
Noise
- iON evo > Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Price
Given that Michelin is the undisputed technology leader in tires, it commands one of the highest price points in the market. Conversely, Hankook’s pricing is positioned slightly below the top six tire manufacturers. According to our pricing data, the Pilot Sport 5 was discovered to be £21 more expensive than the iON evo.
iON evo: £234
Pilot Sport 5: £254
Difference: +8% more expensive for Pilot Sport 5.
Summary
n summation, the EV-specific iON evo genuinely lives up to its outstanding triple A EU label ranking, boasting exceptional wet braking and rolling resistance performances. Meanwhile, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 excels in comfort and aquaplaning resistance. As wear was not assessed, the extent of the iON evo’s lower tread depth on its wear performance remains unknown. Nevertheless, if you seek a tire with superior rolling resistance and wet braking capabilities, the iON evo is undeniably a worthy contender for your electric vehicle.