Formula E doesn’t use slicks, with the same type of tires adaptable to every meteorological circumstance, both with a wet and a dry track.
The official Formula E tire supplier is Hankook. The South-Korean tire manufacturer has been a partner of the electric championship since 2022. Hankook tires are lighter and more durable than other racing series tires. The main feature of the compound is less roll resistance. These tires are also much easier to “fire up” for the drivers on track.
Overall, Formula E uses fewer tires than any other racing series. On YouTube, ABB Formula E explains the importance of sustainability of the tires project, and Antonio Felix Da Costa declares:
“In other racing series, they’re using maybe 60 tires per race weekend, we’re using eight, sometimes six”.
This means that it is easier to transport the tires from one country to country. It means the transport costs are much lower. The limited sets of compounds also reduces the carbon footprint of Formula E. Hankook uses mainly boats and containers to move the tires, trying to avoid planes as much as possible. All in an effort to make the series sustainable long term.
Ever wondered why Formula E doesn’t use slicks? @Hankook_Sport explain why!
The Hankook iON is a tyre like no other. Made of up to roughly 30% sustainable materials, it is the future of racing and electric vehicles.
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) September 29, 2023
All weather tires
These tires are also able to run in changeable conditions. However, how can Formula E race in the rain without using slicks? Thanks to grooved tires. Every tire presents knurl lines over its surface, which implements the asphalt’s grip and drains the water when the track is wet. The category is thinking about adding a slick compound after 2030. The new tires project is evolving alongside the work dedicated to Gen4.
Formula E wants a low rolling resistance tire type but is also studying a ‘Typhoon’ compound, to use under heavy rain. Only one set of typhoons will be available for every car, with FIA ready to interrupt the race in case of extreme conditions. With the introduction of the new compound, every driver will have two trains of tires available during the traditional weekends and three during the doubleheader.
