The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) follows the completion of the two parties' first partnership which resulted in an exclusive tire developed for the Ioniq 5 EV (see lead photo).

Over the next three years, Hyundai and Michelin will jointly develop innovations in these key areas: eco-friendly tires with increased use of eco-friendly materials; tires optimized for next-generation EVs; and a real-time tire monitoring system which will help advance autonomous driving technology.

The next-generation tires resulting from the collaboration will find their way onto future premium EV models of Hyundai as well as its other brands, Kia and Genesis. Not only will it meet the durability requirement, but also driving performance and efficiency.

Hyundai and Michelin also plan to conduct joint research to analyze tire wear, tire load, and road friction beyond the current standards of tire temperature and air pressure. The new tires are also expected to significantly improve drivers’ ride comfort by reducing vibration and noise generated by EVs at high speeds.

They will also explore ways to increase the use of eco-friendly materials in tires to about 50 percent of the total tire weight from 20 percent currently.