Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 5 June 2024 – Hankook premiers the new e-SMART City AU56 at The Tire Cologne 2024 (4 to 6 June, Hankook Stand C040 D049 in Hall 8.1), a tyre for bus companies and transport authorities that meets the special requirements of electric buses through low rolling resistance, high load capacity and excellent grip. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies, it enables a higher range per battery charge while efficiently transferring the high torque to the road. In addition to this the new tyre is optimised to give it a higher weight rating.
Guy Heywood, Vice President Marketing Strategy Truck and Bus at Hankook Tire Europe explains: “We’re very proud to present our first product developed specifically for all-electric city buses with the e-SMART City AU56. This tyre increases the efficiency of public transport and advances the transition to electromobility. Its low wear rate enables long-term use, thus reducing costs. High-strength materials and innovative design ensure durability even under extreme load conditions. Its structure also makes it ideal for regrooving and retreading, which contributes to reducing resource consumption.”
Meets challenging day-to-day requirements
Tyres for electric buses have to meet extremely high day-to-day requirements. To achieve the maximum range per battery charge, they need to have low rolling resistance as well as the need to safely transfer the high torque of electric vehicles to the road without generating excessive abrasion. The tyres also have to handle the high weight rating of electric buses due to the heavy battery. In addition, low rolling noise is a particular requirement in city traffic, increasing passenger comfort. Bus tyres are subject to high mechanical loads which is why the new e-SMART City AU56 has strategically reinforced tyre sidewalls to protect against curb and bus stop bay impacts and damage. The sidewall is designed so that the tyre is as robust as possible, while also meeting all the requirements of everyday use in a city setting. Additional security is offered by the new three-stage indicator, which shows the sidewall wear at a glance.
Innovative tyre technologies for improved performance
For the development of the e-SMART City AU56, Hankook utilised state-of-the-art technologies including AI-assisted design, tests using digital twins and 3D-printed tread patterns. The e-SMART City AU56 has S-shaped sipes between the lateral and tangential tread blocks to improve the interlocking between the blocks. This extends the durability and increases the grip, which is needed in view of the high torque. Three-dimensional zig-zag lines within the tread blocks also help with this. As the tread depth decreases, concealed grooves and sipes are exposed, made possible by 3D-printing technology, ensuring the required safety, traction and adhesion on wet surfaces over the entire life cycle. Small, step-shaped blocks ensure even wearing and prevent stone trapping, further extending the tyre’s life.
The e-SMART City AU56 is designed for regrooving and retreading, which is made possible by additional tread rubber and a reinforced carcass.
Winner of the Red Dot Design Award 2024
With its advanced design and high functionality, the new e-SMART City AU56 has already impressed the jury of the Red Dot Design Award 2024. The international design competition hosted annually by the International Forum in Hanover selects the winners in the categories of product design, brand and communication design, and design concept. The industrial products are comprehensively assessed based on factors such as design, quality, function and environmental credentials. This year, the new Hankook e-SMART City AU56 won the top prize. This accolade strengthens Hankook Tire’s outstanding position on the global market for electric vehicle tyres.
The e-SMART City AU56 will initially be available in the popular commercial vehicle size 275/70 R 22.5 and is suitable for all axle positions. The tyre carries both the M+S label and the snowflake symbol (3PMSF), which confirms its suitability for use in winter. It also has a new pictogram in the form of an electric bus on the sidewall to explicitly identify it as an electric bus tyre.
