Kumho presents ‘next generation’ EV tyre

Kumho entered the replacement electric vehicle tyre market in 2016 with its Wattrun VS31, a tyre that was an early forerunner of the current wave of products designed to meet the particular needs of battery-powered cars. The tyre garnered both the prestigious German Red Dot Design Award and American Green Good Design accolades, demonstrating the Korean manufacturer’s innovation in that field. The Wattrun VS31 has now been superseded by the Ecsta PS71 EV, the company’s next generation electric vehicle tyre.

The Ecsta PS71 EV utilises high strength cords for optimum cornering ability, while the level of high dispersible micro silica ensures high wet grip and low wear rates. The zigzag tread pattern prevents ‘sloping’ – a phenomenon caused by the high torque loadings of which electric vehicles can be capable during initial acceleration. The reduced sidewall protrusion minimises air resistance.

PS71 EV is now available in the UK in a total of 15 sizes. The tyre fitted as standard to Europe’s 2022 Car of the Year, the KIA EV6, features Kumho’s patented ‘K-Silent’ technology that minimises resonant noise via a layer of polyurethane foam within the carcass.

Featuring an innovative high-grip tread compound, asymmetric tread design and 3D interlocking sipes, the Kumho Ecsta HS52 offers superior braking on wet and dry surfaces, better wet grip, and increased mileage when compared to its predecessor. It is now available in as many as 46 sizes to fit rim widths from 14 to 18 inches in diameter.

Kumho Solus 4S HA32 (Photo: Kumho)

The HS52 received a ‘Good’ rating in the February 2023 test of summer tyres by the German motoring association ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club). The tyre beat 42 rival 205/55R16 V sized products to finish eighth overall out of 50. It also shone in the latest Auto Express magazine test of summer tyres in which it won two of the 10 disciplines outright and was one of only three entries to score 100 percent in two or more exercises.

Another Kumho pattern to be accorded an Auto Bild ‘Good’ commendation, and a Red Dot Design Award, the Solus 4S HA32 all-season tyre is notable for the wet weather performance that results from its cutting-edge compound and zigzag V-shaped tread pattern, and earned the tyre a wet grip label grade of at least B across 95 percent of its range. Other features such as its three-dimensional interlocking sipes ensure impressive handling in all conditions.

The HA32 is ideal for drivers seeking optimum performance and reliability in all weathers, and is now available in some 63 fitments and sizes of 14 to 20 inches to suit a wide spectrum of passenger cars. Unlike dedicated winter tyres, Kumho’s all-season products are manufactured all the year round, so supply can be quickly adjusted to meet consumer demand.