20in wheel worse range even with all season tires?

[usulio]

If Rivian could improve EPA range with a smaller wheel, they would do it. Right?

Eh, I suspect that aesthetics is a big part of Rivian's size decisions (otherwise the tires would be smaller than 32" diameter, for one thing).

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[mkhuffman]

Eh, I suspect that aesthetics is a big part of Rivian's size decisions (otherwise the tires would be smaller than 32" diameter, for one thing).

Same with performance. They could use less powerful motors and a smaller, lighter battery, and gain efficiency. And a smaller cabin with a shape like a jellybean would also be more efficient.

So?

Bigger can be more efficient. Smaller can also. Size isn't the deciding factor.

 

[Megaman0025]

Yeah bc they put off road tires on the 20" rim. Put the same tire that's on the 22" rim on the 20" rim and it is more efficient than the 22". Smaller rim is always "better" with the same tire and design.

At highway speeds it’s almost meaningless because the weight penalty of a larger wheel is gone once the wheel is spinning - the aero of the wheel will matter the most on the highway, assuming the tires are the same.

 

[mkhuffman]

At highway speeds it’s almost meaningless because the weight penalty of a larger wheel is gone once the wheel is spinning - the aero of the wheel will matter the most on the highway, assuming the tires are the same.

 

[CrazyOne]

We just did a road trip on I-90 and the concrete on it was in terrible condition. The noise and vibration transmitted to car was unbearable for me. It was on this drive that I decided to switch to 20 inch wheels. I don't care if I have to stop an extra time or if charging takes 10 more minutes. I will accept that hit a few times in year.

For those not familiar, it goes over a pass, everyone uses studded tires on concrete and the surface is the worst I have ever driven outside of wheel eating potholes I experienced in Ohio.

 

[iamnid]

 

[CD1973]

Standard AWD LR gets 330 miles on 19s. Anyone know why 19s are not an option on higher trim levels?

 

[Zoidz]

I just read through this entire thread.

I usually dive in pretty deep on stuff like this (math and science, etc.) but I decided years ago that for me, with all the unknown variables, trying to figure out optimium wheel/tire configuration for mileage efficiency isn't worth it. To throw a wrench in everyone's exacting calculations, is anyone factoring in that your climate/weather conditions also affect your efficiency, therefore tire compound is another unknown variable? The optimum tire might change depending on if you are in Pacific NW vs Florida?

I originally ordered the 20" rims / ATs to give me plenty of replacement options when the time came. I bought the popular 20" Michellin LTX MS/2 a few weeks ago, deciding that my highway driving was more important than my off road driving, and the Michelins would be "good enough" for my beach and trail driving. I'm a firm believer that knowing how to drive in sand and light dirt/mud is more important than the tire tread. I've seen a few jacked up, knobby tired F150s buried to the axle, lol.

Getting to the point, my long term efficiency (measured as an 8000+ mile trip A) on the 20" Scorpions was 2.12. With 600 miles on the LTX, the efficiency is 2.05. That's insignificant as far as I care. The noise and treadwear are much more important than .07 difference in efficiency. Over the longer haul that efficiency could go up or down, but not much.

So, is all this math and science worth it considering all the unknown variables that you can't factor in?

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