Discontinuation of 21” wheels

[ksurfier]

Is the EPA Range set in Conserve or
All Purpose Mode?

AP, can add ~30 miles if using Conserve (but it comes at the cost of extra front tire wear…not the best tradeoff)

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[anthonysfl]

He only covered Tesla tires. And honestly, it's not really that accurate. Specifically out of the sizes he compared, only the 18 and 19 inch Model 3 tires were the same width. The model X and Model S tires were different widths. I agree with him that out of those specific tire choices the smaller one is more efficient. But that doesn't necessarily apply in general, for the model 3 18 and 19 inch options don't have the same tire model or wheel design. So this could be entirely an aero or rubber compound difference.

And the current Rivian lineup is a great example, it absolutely does not hold that smaller is better

Lol go google “smaller wheels are more fuel efficient” and see what pops up. Smaller wheels are more efficient regardless of EV or ICE vehicle.

Lol yes it does. My R1S is 7% more efficient with 20’s on 275/60/20 than my R1T is on 21’s.
6k miles on both, my lifetime mi/kwh on the T is 2.31 and the number on my S is 2.48

 

[edman007]

AP, can add ~30 miles if using Conserve (but it comes at the cost of extra front tire wear…not the best tradeoff)

For the 2023 it is in AP. I believe the 2024 rules changed and would require the test is done in Conserve, however they never resubmitted quad test results in 2024 so it probably doesn't apply until they resubmit. I have a feeling the 2025 refresh is just going to drop conserve the way the dual did and then it's going to go up based on how that drivetrain works.

 

[joelster]

I believe it's true. A friend picked up his R1S yesterday with 21" wheels. He was told by PDX SC that the 21" wheels are being discontinued.

 

[downranger12]

What happens to all of us with the 21” wheels since they are being discontinued? Do we have any third party options as of now?

I attended the open house in downtown Normal where they revealed the R2 and the Rx3.
RJ was there and I spoke to him about how much I liked my 21s and the Verdes. They have never let me down. I am satisfied with 30k plus milage and absolutely thrilled with how quiet and comfortable they ride.
The R2 was wearing Continentals and the Rx3 was wearing Goodyears. I didn't make note of the rim size.
I hadn’t heard that the 21s were being discontinued, but one or two rim sizes would make things simpler for the company.

 

[Treebeard]

I guess I'm confused why people would think it's anything other than better?

Rolling resistance depends heavily depends on the elastic hysteresis of the material. Steel and aluminum have much less hysteresis and thus result in lower rolling resistance, so the less rubber the better the rolling resistance, trains don't have rubber, and that's a huge reason why.

Also rims can be formed to more precise shapes than rubber which could theoretically improve efficency.

Why would more rubber improve things?

Trains equal extreme weight.

 

[KvonBCO]

Just adding in case it was missed, Michelin is supposedly releasing the Defender LTX M/S2 tire that will fit the Rivian 21". Suppose to have been next month, now it's moved to the fall.

You can order these from TireRack now. I ordered some yesterday, backordered about 60 days but they have them.

 

[HaveBlue]

The issues aren't that there aren't 21 tires. There are plenty that will fit on the rims. The issue is largely the 115 load rating to accommodate the weight.

The 21 and 22s are both 33"overall size. Compound and aero are likely the efficiency issue.
Prius wheels are going to be better.

 

[cardad]

I picked the 21's because 1) it was free 2) I wasn't enamoured with any of the 20" wheel options 3) I was concerned about the range hit of the 20 vs the 21 and wanted, no, needed, real life range based on my driving style and my regular trips to the mountains. 4) I saw footage of the 21 in offroad conditions that made me very comfortable it would meet my needs off road 5) I figured there was a good chance that other 21 tire options would be available when I needed it (which appears to be the case). 6) I was confident that when I needed to replace the tires, I'd have many more Rivian specific 20" wheel options available (definitely the case) as well as a much better understanding of capabilities, range, etc of all options as well as my own real world needs.

I did not view it as a risk at all, in fact I viewed it as the best path for me. Basically, a two plus year free trial. I have not heard of anything over the past 15 months that has made that choice even worse. But maybe I missed something that has happened recently regarding the 21's?

I switched from 20 ATs to 21s and it has been a big upgrade in terms of noise and efficiency. You can also find the OEM tires in various places pretty cheap. I bought a set of 21s off FB when I got a flat and then replaced the flat for $80 with an almost new tire off FB as well so you’re not confined to only tire shops in many places.

 

[bigsky]

Yea. I meant tires. Is the Michelin Defender the closest match? I don’t see many options.

The way I feel right now, I ain't trading my 21" Pirelli Scorpion for nothing.

 

[beyondgravity]

I really love my 21s and do have 20s for winter. 21s are so much quieter and awesome efficiency. So if 21s are being discontinued, which one is the efficient wheel+tire combo & does it come close to 21 efficiency.

 

[beyondgravity]

I really love my 21s and do have 20s for winter. 21s are so much quieter and awesome efficiency. So if 21s are being discontinued, which one is the efficient wheel+tire combo & does it come close to 21 efficiency.

I wanted to add - among factory options; as I am not sure about trusting the other wheel tire combo; unless there is a test run by trusting entity or efficiency expert.

 

[jemkewl]

Had 21s from factory. Bought 20" rims, but kept the factory 21" overall diameter (33") by going with defender ms/2 at 275/60. Efficiency seems about the same by keeping the 33" overall diameter size despite a total lower weight per tire.

I had no issues with the 21" rims or stock tires (was on track for 25k miles based on tire tread wear if replaced at 4/32). Just wanted more options and by selling the 21" rims, I will break even in cost if the ms/2s last 30k miles.

The ms/2 in 21" rim size have been rumored as coming in spring and then the fall for 2 years now. We've also been able to order them from tirerack for 2 years now. Hope they do finally come, but I would not hold my breath.

 

[omgcoffee]

The new gen2 base option is a 20" with a 33" road tire. I did not catch the tire model.

The new 22" option also remains a 33" tire and has aero covers.

Either way, if you're looking to switch from 21s because they're being discontinued, you have efficient OEM options to size up or down. Keep an eye on the classifieds once the 2025s start rolling out.

 

[Captblue]

Don’t understand why not let you option the large or max pack with the 20” road tires. Like lower trims.?

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