I think a larger part of the aftermarket is chasing range over performance considering how much Tesla owners spend on the larger batteries. Most people spend thousands on the larger batteries that if other areas could achieve that, it should be worth exploring. Hence Unplugged Performance released its white papers on range increasing products. And seeing how the take rate for 18s is above 50% on all Model 3 purchases, I suspect range is a factor to many buyers as well.
I know the following things contribute to range:
1) Wheels/Tires
2) Speed
3) Temp.
In the past, Tesla used to have a range calculator to educate Tesla Model S/X owners. I've attached a gif of one after the 2016.5 Refresh to the TMS: https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/0*KxV0JpSIUbrPvvgv.gif
Speed requires self-modulation. Outside temperatures we can not control. But Wheels/Tires we can. If you look at the Range Chart, you will see how much the wheel sizing impacts range and why so many 19" or P3D+ owners complain: https://teslike.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mi6b.gif
I'm in the exploratory phase with a replica wheel company (similar to TSportline, etc use) and we've exchanged some data. We've identified two areas to pick up range:
1) Going with the smallest wheel diameter that clears over the brakes. That means 17s for all Non-Performance Model 3s, 18s for the Performance Model 3, and 18s for the TMS/X.
2) Going skinnier with the tire to reduce resistance when traveling down the road without sacrificing Load Ratings.
Few things I need to confirm:
1) We now know TSportline 18" TST's fit over Model 3 Performance (P3D+/PUP) Brakes. Do we have confirmation from anyone if the 18" Aero's do? Do we have confirmation that the 18" Wheel Barrel of the Aero's are big enough? I believe they may need a spacer to clear the lip on the hub of a P3D+ from the back. But similar to TSportline a wheel can be designed for those clearances. I imagine if they Brakes don't clear, its the caliper touching the spokes of the 18" Aeros. If that is the case, the design and offset could be changed slightly to cure those issues. We are trying to include the P3D+ in these conversations so that Winter tire options are also available.
2) I've found only one 17" Wheel that is (now discontinued) that cleared the front and rear brakes of a standard TM3. It was the Fast Wheels Rennen F181 which has an aggressive wheel barrel design to clear BBKs. It cleared by 1/8" or 3mm over the rear calipers. I'm trying to replicate that for standard TM3s in a 17" for max range with 215/55/17s. The goal is 7.7% additional range or 350miles on the Long Range RWD TM3. To put it in perspective, a TM3 Mid Range would have about increase range from 264 to 285 miles (MORE than a Long Range Dual Motor with 19s at 280miles or a Performance Model 3 Dual Motor with 20s at 273miles). Aero Covers may need to be trimmed to fit a smaller wheel. TBD.
3) I also confirmed 18" Steel Wheel clears the Model S/X Brakes (Ps are the same Calipers in Red, unlike the P3D+ which are bigger brakes.) We are trying to make a Replica Tesla Aero Wheel in 18" on a 5x120 so that the Stock Aero Covers can be used. I'm running into slight design issue because when the center pattern of the wheel changes, it throws of the angels around the spoke pattern. The bolt pattern change to 5x120 may require more material around the center of the wheel than the current 18" Tesla Model 3 Aero wheel has for a 5x114.3" Bolt Pattern. If we don't maintain the geometry closely, we will lose the ability to use the Aero Wheel Covers on the TMS/X wheels. But once figured out, the Aero Covers should have some aftermarket demand.
For the TMS: combined with 225/55/18 + Aero Wheel Covers should help increase range over the 19s by an estimated 8.1%. For the newly improved TMS Long Range, that means 370miles will now be 400miles.
For the TMX: combined with 235/65/18s + Aero Wheel Covers should help increase range over the 20s by an estimated 13.2%. For the newly improved TMX Long Range, that means 325miles will now be 368miles. Note the difference between a 2019 100D Model X with 20" and 22" Wheels/Tires on the range chart. The 20" wheels have a 291mile range, and the 22" wheels have a 237mile range.
As for tire choices, I've also found preliminary data to suggest the Vredestein Quatrac5 being more efficient as a tire choice over others (see: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=231) This should help the projected range increases above. Combined with Low Noise (a factor for EV owners) data support using these or similar tires as the All-Year Tire Choice.
Also note, for winter weather use, Skinnier Tires cut through snow and ice instead of plowing on top of it. Quoted from https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/hunters-ramblings/why-are-narrower-tires-better-for-winter:
"As you're shopping for winter wheels and tires, you'll likely come across the recommendation of going to a narrower tire...you'll want winter/snow tires and wheels in sizes that help put the laws of physics on your side.
The reason for this is that traction is achieved in winter by cutting through the ice and snow. With wider tread, you're more likely to start snow plowing or floating on top of the surface instead of pushing down and through. This floating will result in loss of traction sooner than with a thinner or narrower option. A good way to picture this is imagine a pizza cutter slicing through a pizza...When the footprint gets narrower as it will with a narrower width tire, it has to get longer. And the mechanics of the longer footprint help with the longitudinal traction for acceleration and braking."
For all of those reasons, data suggests that the current wheel and tire packages being offered are not optimized towards range or in the case of winter tires, towards winter traction. The best 235/45/18 winter tire will still not be as good as the best winter tire in a similarly tall 215/50/18s for a comparable Tesla Model 3. For those reasons, tires currently in consideration for package pricing are:
1) 215/55/17 98V - Vredestein Quatrac5 - For standard Tesla Model 3 on 17" Wheels.
2) 215/55/17 98H - Michelin X-Ice XI3 - For Winter use on standard Tesla Model 3 on 17" Wheels.
3) 215/50/18 92V - Pirelli Winter SottoZero 3 - For Winter use on Performance Model 3 on 18" wheels. This meets the Minimum Load Rating of the Tesla Model 3 (20" Performance Model 3s have a 235/35/20 92Y)
4) 225/55/18 98V - Vredestein Quatrac5 - For all Tesla Model S on 18" Wheels.
5) 225/55/18 98H - Michelin X-Ice XI3 - For Winter use on all Tesla Model S on 18" Wheels.
6) 235/65/18 110H - Nokian Rotiiva HT - For all Tesla Model X on 18" Wheels. This meets the Maximum Load Rating of the Tesla Model X to tow 500/4960# (see: https://i.imgur.com/oz8peCd.jpg) However, Speed Rating of H is limited to 130mph.
7) 235/65/18 110H - Continental WinterContact SI - For all Tesla Model X on 18" Wheels. Speed Limit reduced to 130mph.
Tires have not been finalized. But these Wheel/Tire Packages are focussed around Safety (Load Ratings), Comfort (Noise) and Efficiency (Range).
Finishes are probably going to be Metallic Grey or Matte Black. I've realized many wish the lip of the 18" Aero Rim that is exposed with the Covers on were the darker finish of the Aero Covers so it didn't stand out as much. This should work well with the OEM Onyx Black Tesla Center Caps from the Model X if someone wanted to run without the Aero Covers as well.
Pricing is targetted to be:
1) ~ $279/wheel for the 17x7s that would fit Tesla Model 3, except Performance.
2) ~ $289/wheel for the 18x7s that would fit Tesla Model 3, including Performance.
3) ~ $299/wheel for the 18x7.5s that would fit Tesla Model S/X, including Performance.
To Compare to TSPortline's pricing for mounted wheels/tires, their 18" TST starts at $2400 and goes up to $2900. In comparison, these should come right at $1999 for a set of 4 18x7 Wheels, with 4 Vredestein Quatrac 5 Tires, + New Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors, + Mounting and Roadforce Balancing. Less than $100 more for the Winter Package.
To note, the ratings projected are projected based on EPA ratings. We understand regardless of the car, EPA ratings never match the real world. That said, we hope that these projected increases based on the EPA rated cycle yield usable range increases to people.
If this seems of interest to you, please provide your feedback. Thanks.
I know the following things contribute to range:
1) Wheels/Tires
2) Speed
3) Temp.
In the past, Tesla used to have a range calculator to educate Tesla Model S/X owners. I've attached a gif of one after the 2016.5 Refresh to the TMS: https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/0*KxV0JpSIUbrPvvgv.gif
Speed requires self-modulation. Outside temperatures we can not control. But Wheels/Tires we can. If you look at the Range Chart, you will see how much the wheel sizing impacts range and why so many 19" or P3D+ owners complain: https://teslike.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mi6b.gif
I'm in the exploratory phase with a replica wheel company (similar to TSportline, etc use) and we've exchanged some data. We've identified two areas to pick up range:
1) Going with the smallest wheel diameter that clears over the brakes. That means 17s for all Non-Performance Model 3s, 18s for the Performance Model 3, and 18s for the TMS/X.
2) Going skinnier with the tire to reduce resistance when traveling down the road without sacrificing Load Ratings.
Few things I need to confirm:
1) We now know TSportline 18" TST's fit over Model 3 Performance (P3D+/PUP) Brakes. Do we have confirmation from anyone if the 18" Aero's do? Do we have confirmation that the 18" Wheel Barrel of the Aero's are big enough? I believe they may need a spacer to clear the lip on the hub of a P3D+ from the back. But similar to TSportline a wheel can be designed for those clearances. I imagine if they Brakes don't clear, its the caliper touching the spokes of the 18" Aeros. If that is the case, the design and offset could be changed slightly to cure those issues. We are trying to include the P3D+ in these conversations so that Winter tire options are also available.
2) I've found only one 17" Wheel that is (now discontinued) that cleared the front and rear brakes of a standard TM3. It was the Fast Wheels Rennen F181 which has an aggressive wheel barrel design to clear BBKs. It cleared by 1/8" or 3mm over the rear calipers. I'm trying to replicate that for standard TM3s in a 17" for max range with 215/55/17s. The goal is 7.7% additional range or 350miles on the Long Range RWD TM3. To put it in perspective, a TM3 Mid Range would have about increase range from 264 to 285 miles (MORE than a Long Range Dual Motor with 19s at 280miles or a Performance Model 3 Dual Motor with 20s at 273miles). Aero Covers may need to be trimmed to fit a smaller wheel. TBD.
3) I also confirmed 18" Steel Wheel clears the Model S/X Brakes (Ps are the same Calipers in Red, unlike the P3D+ which are bigger brakes.) We are trying to make a Replica Tesla Aero Wheel in 18" on a 5x120 so that the Stock Aero Covers can be used. I'm running into slight design issue because when the center pattern of the wheel changes, it throws of the angels around the spoke pattern. The bolt pattern change to 5x120 may require more material around the center of the wheel than the current 18" Tesla Model 3 Aero wheel has for a 5x114.3" Bolt Pattern. If we don't maintain the geometry closely, we will lose the ability to use the Aero Wheel Covers on the TMS/X wheels. But once figured out, the Aero Covers should have some aftermarket demand.
For the TMS: combined with 225/55/18 + Aero Wheel Covers should help increase range over the 19s by an estimated 8.1%. For the newly improved TMS Long Range, that means 370miles will now be 400miles.
For the TMX: combined with 235/65/18s + Aero Wheel Covers should help increase range over the 20s by an estimated 13.2%. For the newly improved TMX Long Range, that means 325miles will now be 368miles. Note the difference between a 2019 100D Model X with 20" and 22" Wheels/Tires on the range chart. The 20" wheels have a 291mile range, and the 22" wheels have a 237mile range.
As for tire choices, I've also found preliminary data to suggest the Vredestein Quatrac5 being more efficient as a tire choice over others (see: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=231) This should help the projected range increases above. Combined with Low Noise (a factor for EV owners) data support using these or similar tires as the All-Year Tire Choice.
Also note, for winter weather use, Skinnier Tires cut through snow and ice instead of plowing on top of it. Quoted from https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/hunters-ramblings/why-are-narrower-tires-better-for-winter:
"As you're shopping for winter wheels and tires, you'll likely come across the recommendation of going to a narrower tire...you'll want winter/snow tires and wheels in sizes that help put the laws of physics on your side.
The reason for this is that traction is achieved in winter by cutting through the ice and snow. With wider tread, you're more likely to start snow plowing or floating on top of the surface instead of pushing down and through. This floating will result in loss of traction sooner than with a thinner or narrower option. A good way to picture this is imagine a pizza cutter slicing through a pizza...When the footprint gets narrower as it will with a narrower width tire, it has to get longer. And the mechanics of the longer footprint help with the longitudinal traction for acceleration and braking."
For all of those reasons, data suggests that the current wheel and tire packages being offered are not optimized towards range or in the case of winter tires, towards winter traction. The best 235/45/18 winter tire will still not be as good as the best winter tire in a similarly tall 215/50/18s for a comparable Tesla Model 3. For those reasons, tires currently in consideration for package pricing are:
1) 215/55/17 98V - Vredestein Quatrac5 - For standard Tesla Model 3 on 17" Wheels.
2) 215/55/17 98H - Michelin X-Ice XI3 - For Winter use on standard Tesla Model 3 on 17" Wheels.
3) 215/50/18 92V - Pirelli Winter SottoZero 3 - For Winter use on Performance Model 3 on 18" wheels. This meets the Minimum Load Rating of the Tesla Model 3 (20" Performance Model 3s have a 235/35/20 92Y)
4) 225/55/18 98V - Vredestein Quatrac5 - For all Tesla Model S on 18" Wheels.
5) 225/55/18 98H - Michelin X-Ice XI3 - For Winter use on all Tesla Model S on 18" Wheels.
6) 235/65/18 110H - Nokian Rotiiva HT - For all Tesla Model X on 18" Wheels. This meets the Maximum Load Rating of the Tesla Model X to tow 500/4960# (see: https://i.imgur.com/oz8peCd.jpg) However, Speed Rating of H is limited to 130mph.
7) 235/65/18 110H - Continental WinterContact SI - For all Tesla Model X on 18" Wheels. Speed Limit reduced to 130mph.
Tires have not been finalized. But these Wheel/Tire Packages are focussed around Safety (Load Ratings), Comfort (Noise) and Efficiency (Range).
Finishes are probably going to be Metallic Grey or Matte Black. I've realized many wish the lip of the 18" Aero Rim that is exposed with the Covers on were the darker finish of the Aero Covers so it didn't stand out as much. This should work well with the OEM Onyx Black Tesla Center Caps from the Model X if someone wanted to run without the Aero Covers as well.
Pricing is targetted to be:
1) ~ $279/wheel for the 17x7s that would fit Tesla Model 3, except Performance.
2) ~ $289/wheel for the 18x7s that would fit Tesla Model 3, including Performance.
3) ~ $299/wheel for the 18x7.5s that would fit Tesla Model S/X, including Performance.
To Compare to TSPortline's pricing for mounted wheels/tires, their 18" TST starts at $2400 and goes up to $2900. In comparison, these should come right at $1999 for a set of 4 18x7 Wheels, with 4 Vredestein Quatrac 5 Tires, + New Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors, + Mounting and Roadforce Balancing. Less than $100 more for the Winter Package.
To note, the ratings projected are projected based on EPA ratings. We understand regardless of the car, EPA ratings never match the real world. That said, we hope that these projected increases based on the EPA rated cycle yield usable range increases to people.
If this seems of interest to you, please provide your feedback. Thanks.