Your choice of wheels and tires directly impacts your range, handling, and traction. It doesn’t seem like it would make a big difference (especially if you just transitioned from an ICE car), but these little things do matter when it comes to how much energy your Tesla uses.
WHY WHEELS MATTER
AERODYNAMICS
Drag is what disrupts the flow of air when a vehicle carves through air, slowing it down. The more drag you have, the more energy is required to keep the car moving, resulting in less range. That’s why Tesla’s Gemini and Tempest wheels have aero covers, and many aftermarket covers have similar designs. These are made with the idea in mind that the closest to a flat surface you have + less air that can flow through = less drag and better aerodynamic ability. If we could have simple disks as wheels, that would be the best for reducing drag, but wheels have to have at least some airflow for brake cooling.
Tesla offers other wheels, such as the Induction on the Model Y and the Sport Wheels on the Model 3. All of them are shown later in this blog. You typically have to choose between efficiency and looks, but there are some good looking wheels out there now that try to tackle both.
WEIGHT
The lighter the wheel, the more range you get! Seems like we’re following a pattern. EVs are heavy, so you’ll inevitably have heavier wheels to carry that load. Still, some are heavier than others. An important thing to note is that you need an even distribution of weight throughout the wheel for optimal performance, energy efficiency, safety, and overall driving experience of an EV.
SIZE
This goes along with weight, because the easiest way to have a lighter wheel is to get a smaller wheel. The smaller and lighter it is, the more efficient. The bigger in diameter usually means it’s also bigger in width as well, adding more drag.
WHY TIRES MATTER
Teslas typically come with Continental, Michelin or Pirelli. Tesla-approved tires are specifically designed for a smoother ride and better handling and range. They have foam inside for a quieter ride as well. Since you don’t have to worry about engine noise, everything else is louder – including wind and road noise. That’s the reason for the foam construction.
We recommend this tire chart if you’re curious about what tires are out there and what’s best for you.
How to read numbers on a tire:
WEIGHT & SIZE
EV tires are heavier, stiffer, and flatter for an equal amount of contact throughout the tire’s surface with the ground. The downside to your range is that they are heavy, so it does add weight. Just like the wheels: the bigger the tires, the less aerodynamic it is and the less range you have.
ROLLING RESISTANCE
When a vehicle is in motion, the tires encounter resistance from various factors such as friction between the tire and the road surface, tire deformation, and air resistance. Rolling resistance specifically refers to the energy dissipated as the tire rolls and deforms under load.
Tires with low rolling resistance require less energy to move, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.Several factors contribute to low rolling resistance in tires:
- Tread Design: Tires with optimized tread patterns and compound formulations can reduce rolling resistance by minimizing friction between the tire and the road.
- Tire Construction: Advanced tire construction techniques, such as using lighter materials and reducing internal friction, can contribute to lower rolling resistance.
- Tire Pressure: Maintaining proper tire inflation levels is crucial. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can negatively impact fuel efficiency.
- Tire Compound: The materials used in tire manufacturing can significantly affect rolling resistance. Specialized compounds, such as silica-based compounds, are often used to reduce rolling resistance while maintaining good traction.
- Tire Size and Shape: The size and shape of the tire can influence rolling resistance. Narrower tires tend to have lower rolling resistance compared to wider ones, but they may sacrifice some handling characteristics.
Efforts to reduce rolling resistance in tires have become more prevalent in recent years as environmental concerns and fuel efficiency regulations have gained prominence. Low rolling resistance tires are commonly used in EVs or hybrid vehicles, where their contribution to overall energy savings can be up to 10%. The bigger the tires, the higher the rolling resistance is, decreasing range.
Key takeaway: Before you decide on what tires and wheels you need, evaluate your driving habits and lifestyle needs. Do you want more range or a sick looking ride? Do you mainly use your Tesla for commuting short distances or do you road trip a lot? Wheels and tires will affect your range 3-10% most likely. That can add up of course, but it’s more about what you need.
Here are all the tires Tesla currently offers with your vehicle purchase as of May 2023:
