18" vs 19" wheels/tires efficiency on AWD Premium

[kindofblue]

If you have a Premium AWD and have switched out your 19" wheels/tires for 18" aero wheels/tires, how has that impacted your efficiency (miles/kwh)? Please post here. Thanks in advance for your input.

We know that the CR-1 w/18" wheels has better efficiency but we don't know how much that is a function of the RWD only vs the wheel/tire combo.

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[leehinde]

We know that the CR-1 w/18" wheels has better efficiency but we don't know how much that is a function of the RWD only vs the wheel/tire combo.

CaRt1s are AWD. At least, mine is.

 

[tuminatr]

When I had a premium I switched to the CR-1 wheels and tell you there was a noticeable increase in efficiency. I would say it's right on par with the claimed efficiency of the CR1. I think if you examine the two cars there's not any mechanical difference between a CR1 and a premium I do believe there is a small weight difference.

 

[kindofblue]

CaRt1s are AWD. At least, mine is.

At least the first year CA R -1s were only RWD.

 

[kindofblue]

When I had a premium I switched to the CR-1 wheels and tell you there was a noticeable increase in efficiency. I would say it's right on par with the claimed efficiency of the CR1. I think if you examine the two cars there's not any mechanical difference between a CR1 and a premium I do believe there is a small weight difference.

Thanks. Anybody else?

 

[thenew3]

EPA rates the CA-R1 ER AWD as having 312 mile range while the Premium ER AWD is 290, so looks like from the rating it's a 22 mile or roughly 7.5% increase in range. Don't know how much of that is due to the smaller wheels.

 

[Bjbena]

An independent outlet tested Tesla’s 18’ wheels with and without the aero covers and found a 3-5% difference in range.

 

[GreaseMonkey]

I’m happy to switch to 18” to get a 22 mile boost. Sounds like a no brainer to me.

 

[kindofblue]

An independent outlet tested Tesla’s 18’ wheels with and without the aero covers and found a 3-5% difference in range.

Tesla's are already pretty efficient so it's less pertinent to this discussion but thanks for your input.

 

[kindofblue]

I’m happy to switch to 18” to get a 22 mile boost. Sounds like a no brainer to me.

I agree. I'm down to considering the costs of swapping wheels/tires and won't do anything until we need new tires.

 

[GrumblesTheDog]

Thanks. Anybody else?

Can confirm - just did a ~1400 mile roadtrip after putting CA Rt 1 wheels on my premium ER. With the original wheels, I was getting 2.7mi/kwh at interstate speeds but with the Rt1 wheels, I was easily getting 3.1 even at 70-72mph. I will say I put the Hankook Ion Evo SUV tires on mine so that may have had a minor effect on efficiency as well, but I was pleasantly surprised by the apparent increase from switching wheels alone.

 

[Luke]

If you have a Premium AWD and have switched out your 19" wheels/tires for 18" aero wheels/tires, how has that impacted your efficiency (miles/kwh)? Please post here. Thanks in advance for your input.

We know that the CR-1 w/18" wheels has better efficiency but we don't know how much that is a function of the RWD only vs the wheel/tire combo.

I just replaced the 19 with the 18 today. I can say the ride is noticeably more comfortable. I used the Carbonite gray wheel from the Select, with the same Michellan stock tires. I will let you know about the performance once I drive more. I'm also curious.

 

[highland58]

Smaller wheels have more sidewall, so a less harsh ride than bigger wheels. I would have been happy with smaller wheels, but the GT comes with 20" wheels, and I don't feel like buying new wheels, at least not until I wear out my 50K mile tires. I like the wheels that come on the premium, my First Edition MME had those.

 

[Geep]

On our usual rough roads the CR1 at 39 psi rides like a brick out house. I lowered the air pressure to 36 psi…..makes a world of difference. Once spring finally arrives I am going to try 37 and 38 looking for a compromise.

 

[Fins160]

Another option - 2022 Select trims had option of a 19" aero wheel (19" PNTD ALUM WHL W/ AERO CVR). You can see them in my profile pic.

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