Kumho EV Tyres Meet Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles in New Zealand
As electric and hybrid vehicles become an increasingly familiar sight on New Zealand roads, choosing the right tyres is becoming just as important as choosing the right vehicle.
Kumho EV tyres are purpose-built to meet the unique demands of modern electrified vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
Compared with conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, electrified vehicles can place greater demands on their tyres. Increased weight from battery systems, instant torque delivery and reduced drivetrain noise all influence how a tyre needs to perform.
Kumho has responded with a dedicated range of EV tyres, combining reinforced construction, low rolling resistance, reduced road noise, stability and durability with the wet and dry performance New Zealand drivers expect.
What makes an EV tyre different?
Increased vehicle weight
Battery systems can add significant weight, placing greater loads on tyres. Kumho EV tyres use reinforced construction designed to support higher loads while maintaining stability and durability.
Instant torque delivery
Electric motors can deliver torque almost instantly. Optimised tread compounds and increased structural rigidity help provide grip, stability and controlled acceleration.
Driving range efficiency
Tyre rolling resistance can influence how efficiently an electrified vehicle uses energy. Low rolling resistance compounds are designed to help maximise driving range without compromising everyday grip and handling.
Reduced road noise
With less engine noise, tyre and road noise can become more noticeable inside an electric vehicle. Kumho uses optimised tread patterns and, on applicable models and sizes, K-Silent foam technology to help create a quieter and more refined ride.
The Kumho EV tyre range:
Kumho ECSTA PS71 EV – Performance for electric vehicles
For EV drivers looking for responsive handling and sports performance, the Kumho ECSTA PS71 EV takes the proven ECSTA PS71 platform and adapts it specifically for electric vehicles.
Its strengthened construction and profile are designed to minimise tyre distortion during high-power acceleration, helping improve driving stability, wet grip and braking.
The tread profile and specialised compound also help reduce rolling resistance while maintaining traction.
Kumho has also focused on reducing road noise. An optimised tread pitch works together with K-Silent polyurethane foam technology to help reduce resonance inside the tyre, creating a quieter and more refined driving experience.
The result is an EV tyre designed for drivers who want efficiency without giving up responsive handling and performance.
Kumho CRUGEN HP71 EV – designed for electric SUVs and crossovers
Electric SUVs place particularly high demands on their tyres because of their combination of vehicle weight, power and load capacity.
The Kumho CRUGEN HP71 EV has been engineered specifically for EV SUVs and crossovers, with an upgraded construction designed to provide stability, comfort and dependable everyday performance.
High-strength materials and 3D interlocking sipe technology help increase durability and support the higher loads associated with electric SUVs.
Its aerodynamic tread design and multi-pitch tread block arrangement help reduce road noise, while Kumho's K-Silent foam technology absorbs air vibration within the tyre.
Wide tread grooves also help evacuate water from beneath the tyre, improving resistance to aquaplaning and providing added confidence when travelling on wet New Zealand roads.
For drivers wanting an EV SUV tyre that combines comfort, efficiency and dependable handling, the HP71 EV provides a strong all-round option.
Kumho SOLUS HS63 EV – quiet, comfortable everyday driving
The Kumho SOLUS HS63 EV has been developed for small to medium-sized electric vehicles, with a particular focus on ride comfort, low noise and balanced everyday performance.
Its EV-specific construction helps provide stability and responsive steering while maintaining a comfortable ride.
A multi-pitch tread design helps minimise road noise, while enhanced carcass construction improves stability and braking performance.
Combined with reduced rolling resistance, the HS63 EV is well suited to everyday electric driving through to longer journeys on New Zealand's state highways and regional roads.
Kumho ECSTA PS72 SPORT and SPORT S – high performance with EV compatibility
The latest Kumho ECSTA PS72 Sport and Sport S has been engineered for both internal combustion and electric vehicles, providing another option for drivers wanting high-performance handling with EV ready technology.
Its reinforced tread design helps manage the high torque produced by electric vehicles, while a low rolling resistance structure supports energy efficiency.
Selected High Load sizes provide additional reinforcement for increased load capacity, while K-Silent Foam is available in selected sizes to help reduce road noise.
Combined with strong wet and dry performance, the PS72 offers a versatile option for performance focused EV drivers.
Choosing the right Kumho EV tyre
The best tyre for an electric vehicle will depend on the vehicle, tyre size and the type of driving you do.
For performance focused electric cars, the ECSTA PS71 EV delivers responsive handling and strong wet-road performance.
For electric SUVs and crossovers, the CRUGEN HP71 EV combines load capacity, comfort and stability.
For smaller and medium-sized EVs where comfort and everyday efficiency are priorities, the SOLUS HS63 EV offers a quiet and balanced driving experience.
And for drivers wanting high-performance versatility across both electric and conventional vehicles, the ECSTA PS72 provides an EV compatible alternative.
Whatever you drive, fitting tyres with the correct size, load rating and specification is essential.
Explore Kumho EV tyres in New Zealand
From quieter operation and improved efficiency to durability, braking and handling, Kumho's latest EV tyre technology has been developed to meet the changing demands of electric motoring.
With dedicated options for passenger vehicles, SUVs and performance cars, Kumho EV tyres give New Zealand drivers a range of choices designed for the next generation of motoring.
Explore the Kumho EV tyre range or find your nearest Kumho tyre dealer to discover the right tyre for your electric vehicle.
