The V-spoke 18" rims will be the base wheel and they will include the aero wheel covers seen recently. Run your car either with (for better range) or without (for those who hate them) covers, your choice.
The red alpha wheel looks cool. The aero wheel on the grey alpha car also looks OK to me, I would prefer not having the two-toned look, instead a uniform brushed aluminum look would be fine. The alpha also had larger wheels, not 100% how it would look on a smaller size wheel, but I'm not too concerned, it'll probably be fine for me.
the turbine style that was on the non-functionable red alpha have a patent filed, so there may be a chance for them still (but there is also a patent for the blah steering wheel that was in the alphas)
It is observed and informed speculation. I.E. there is no indication of hub covers or hub nuts on the aero covers. There is a "silver circle" which is the underlying V-spoke rim. There are five "nubs" on the V-spoke rims that are apparent in photos to give wheel covers a base for attachment . Aero covers provide increased range to improve stated range. However many details may change between now and final reveal.
Yes, a number of scientific experiments (google it). Experience on the salt flats with world record holders. Several hundred thousand Prius owners show that the included aero rim covers add 5% to 10% to efficiency and/or range depending how the car is driven.
Now you are being creative and thinking outside the box. I am on the same page. However, I have been in contact with an aftermarket guy who is working on alternate wheel covers at this very time. He is waiting for the final reveal before finalizing designs. I predict there will be tons of aftermarket products to satisfy 400K+ owners.
