Range efficiency:Wheel size 18" vs 19"

[Jd43325]

Most models come with 19 inch wheels (except select with no package or technology package- 18 inch).
Smaller wheels have a smoother drive, cost less to replace and are lighter in weight therefore improving range.
The mach e was designed with aerodynamics in mind and increasing the range as much as they can. I'm surprised most models come with 19 inch wheels.
What would you expect the max range difference between a mach e with 18 inch wheels vs 19 inch wheels?

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[HuntingPudel]

The wheel might be lighter for a smaller wheel but the overall wheel/tire assembly is going to be heavier with a smaller wheel, as the tire needs to be heavier for the same load rating.

That said, a smaller diameter wheel has a smaller window opening, making it aerodynamically “better” than a wheel with a larger window opening. Unless you fill the larger wheel’s window with some sort of aerodynamic cover or create design elements that close up the window opening, the larger diameter wheel will have more drag.

 

[OH2AZ2OH]

You can compare the Rt 1 range (RWD, ER battery, 18" wheels) to the Premium RWD ER range and guess that the difference is about 5 miles. That is based on Ford's EPA rating, though, and there is a lot that we don't know about how they came up with those numbers. I suspect the improved aerodynamics of smaller tires with aero covers would be beneficial in the highway portion, although most of the range increase appears to be in the City portion according to the window sticker.

A smaller wheel/larger tire combo is almost always lighter than a larger wheel/smaller tire combo so maybe that is why the City portion is rated higher for the Rt 1 (as long as you are comparing the same wheel and tire. If you are comparing OEM vs aftermarket then it will be case-by-case.)

This would be an interesting side-by-side range test!

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