Range vs Wheels size

[SteveD62]

I was wondering if anyone knows of the difference in the range you can expect going from 17 to 20?

 

[Kopsis]

No way to know without testing - there are too many variables. For other EVs there's typically a 5 - 15% range reduction going from the standard to largest rim size.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

My understanding of wheel assembly and range is:
1. Reduce total/overall weight
2. Skinnier is usually better (for range)
3. Maintain air pressure or even raise air pressure, within your comfort level.

 

[fxrdr31]

Smaller rims typically mean less weight and smaller tires as well which means even less weight. Setting your tire pressure to the max psi will increase range/fuel economy on any vehicle but will increase ride harshness. Project Farm did a video on a gas hog of a vehicle that is a good watch but far from the complete

 

[007]

It seems there are 2 possible tire diameters offered. A 29.5" diameter and a 31.5" diameter. There is an optional 31.5" tire for the standard 17" wheel. It looks like 20"wheels have a 31.5" tire. Specs on the Kenda Vezda UHP A/S2 tires are missing. A larger rim does not always mean a larger diameter tire.

 

[FloppaEnjoyer8067]

Smaller rims typically mean less weight and smaller tires as well which means even less weight. Setting your tire pressure to the max psi will increase range/fuel economy on any vehicle but will increase ride harshness. Project Farm did a video on a gas hog of a vehicle that is a good watch but far from the complete

It will also wear your tires unevenly, causing you to burn up your tires faster. Your vehicle handling will also be significantly worse as it vastly changes the tires mechanical properties.

 

[AZFox]

I think the diameter of the tire has more effect than the diameter of the rim.

Changing the tire diameter effectively changes the final drive gear ratio.

 

[AeroWolf]

You can use some simple physic to get an idea of range impact. I admit to using CoPilot to help me whip this up.

It is very simplistic.

 

[FloppaEnjoyer8067]

I don’t think wheel diameter will have a great effect on range. Motors have a pretty flat efficiency curve, so it shouldn’t make a big difference.

Bearing friction is also fairly non linear, so it will be hard to predict.

I’d put money on tire selection having the greatest impact on range, but due to the compound and tread, not the diameter.

Theoretical Motor dyno curve for reference.

https://external-content.duckduckgo...b6360097e5c9fe73c51fe33d096900d85c26718e5cb48

 

[Oddballhero]

This being the case, putting smaller wheels should do better for range. 16s, maybe?

 

[007]

A 17 inch or a 20 inch wheel with a 31.5 inch tire has a diameter if 31.5 inches.

A 31.5" tire has approximately 650 revs per mile. A 29.5" tire has approximately 700 revs per mile. So a taller tire is like a higher gear ratio. A bigger tire spins slower.

From what I've read, different tires can have a huge effect on electric vehicles. And the effect might not be what you want.

 

[AeroWolf]

Part of the issue is you are increasing the energy bound in the heavier larger diameter wheels. This makes more city stop and go less efficient for EVs, But you could get a better highway efficient where the increase in overall wheel radius may help against, presuming that is not defeated by the added mass of larger wheels.

 

[AZFox]

There's a lot to factor in.

"On an electric vehicle, changing wheel and tire packages can easily swing real‑world range by 5–20%, sometimes more."

Recharged: EV Wheel Size and Range: How Rim and Tire Choices Really Affect Efficiency

 

[Shrink36s]

I would like a wheel upgrade to something in that 17x8 size that is focused on maximizing range. Something lighter than the steelies and aerodynamic. I’m interested in increasing range without reducing utility.
Not a lot out there that I’d pick rinse searching around a bit.

 

[AeroWolf]

Forget about any wheel mounted aero improvements. Unless you are putting on fender mounted wheel covers. Think Aptera