Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 EV Review — Performance EV SUV Tyre for NZ
Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10
Category: Performance EV SUV
Price in NZ: From $464 per tyre
Best for: Tesla Model Y Performance, BMW iX3, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N — performance electric SUVs
Available sizes: 19″ – 21″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 EV bridges Hankook’s two strongest product lines — the Ventus S1 Evo3 performance compound and the Ion EV technology suite. It delivers the Evo3’s class-leading wet braking credentials (2nd in independent European UHP tests) in a construction reinforced for the additional weight of performance EV SUVs and optimised for the instant torque delivery that makes EV performance so demanding on tyres. For NZ owners of performance EVs — Tesla Model Y Performance, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, Kia EV6 GT — the Ventus S1 Evo3 EV provides the performance character to match the vehicle’s capability.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Performance EV SUV |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | B |
| EU Label — Noise | 69 dB |
| Speed Ratings | Y (300 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 19″, 20″, 21″ |
| NZ Price Range | $464 – $850 (varies by size) |
| Key Technology | Evo3 compound + EV reinforcement + Hankook acoustic foam |
Performance Profile
Wet safety: EU Label A — the Evo3 compound’s independently proven wet braking credentials carry into the EV variant. For performance EV SUVs that can generate enormous braking forces, A-rated wet grip is essential.
EV optimisation: Load-reinforced carcass handles EV battery weight. Low rolling resistance preserves electric range. Acoustic foam liner reduces the road noise that EV powertrains amplify.
Dry performance: The Evo3 compound’s sharp cornering grip and communicative steering feel — characteristics that made it 2nd in European UHP tests — are preserved in the EV variant’s SUV construction. Tesla Model Y Performance owners will notice the difference versus standard highway EV tyres.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland: Excellent — performance EV owners benefit from EU Label A wet grip in Auckland’s rain and the Evo3 compound’s cornering precision on the city’s varied road network.
South Island: Good in coastal areas. Not 3PMSF certified — Hankook Ion Evo AS SUV is preferable for South Island alpine year-round use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Evo3 wet braking excellence in EV SUV construction
- EU Label A wet grip + acoustic foam + EV reinforcement
- More affordable than Michelin Pilot Sport EV ($464 vs $721)
- Strong performance character for sporty EV driving
Cons
- Not 3PMSF certified — Ion Evo AS SUV better for South Island alpine year-round
- Summer-biased compound only
Sources
- Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 EV specifications — hankooktire.com — accessed 2026-06-04
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/hankook/ — accessed 2026-06-04
Related Pages
- Hankook Ion Evo AS SUV — all-season EV alternative
- Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 — the passenger version
- Hankook Tyres NZ — brand overview