Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin have signed a memorandum of understanding to research and develop next-generation tyre technologies for “premium” electric vehicles.
This renewed partnership was commemorated at a signing ceremony that took place at Hyundai Group’s Namyang Research Centre in South Korea on June 17. It was attended by a number of Hyundai Group and Michelin executives.
This latest development builds on a five-year memorandum of understanding the companies signed in November 2018 to jointly develop an exclusive tyre for the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Over the next three years the companies intend to jointly develop tyres made from more eco-friendly materials, optimised for next-generation EVs, and a real-time tyre monitoring system.
All the technology that results from this collaboration is set to make its way onto future premium Hyundai Group EV models.
It’s unclear exactly what Hyundai Group means by premium EVs, but in the near future it plans to reveal the Hyundai Ioniq 6 all-electric sedan, as well as Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Kia EV9 large SUVs.
In order to achieve the goals laid out by the companies, the Korean Automaker says it will jointly “explore ways to increase the use of eco-friendly materials in tyres” from 20 per cent currently to around 50 per cent.
The companies will also conduct joint research that will analyse tyre wear, tyre load and road friction “beyond the current standards of tyre temperature and air pressure”.
Hyundai SEVEN concept 
Kia EV9 concept 
Hyundai Ioniq 6 prototype
The new tyres that will be developed are expected to “significantly improve drivers’ ride comfort” by reducing the vibration and noise by EVs at high speeds.
They will also be required to pass requirements that look at the driving performance and electric efficiency under high load.
Tyre and road noise in EVs are more apparent than in internal combustion engine (ICE) cars due to the lack of engine noise, and low rolling-resistance in EVs helps with boosting electric range.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
“The collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin over the past five years contributed to the successful launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 5,” said Michelin executive vice president of automotive original equipment Georges Levy.
“We are pleased to announce that the relationship has been extended for three more years to continue our work together on new technologies in favour of safer, cleaner mobility.”
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric crossover first arrived locally in 2021 and has had huge local demand, yet constricted supply.
Locally there are two variants available with the single-motor starting at $71,900 before on-road costs and the dual-motor all-wheel drive starting at $75,900 before on-road costs.
Both are hooked up to a 72.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with the single-motor variant producing 160kW of power and 350Nm of torque and the dual-motor all-wheel drive variant producing 225kW and 605Nm.
The driving ranges sit between 415km and 430km according to WLTP testing.
