Efficiency of Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 275/55/21 vs. OEM 21's

[schlosrat]

I've got a new 2024 R1T still riding on the OEM Pirelli Scorpion's. I expect those tires to wear out relatively quickly compared to other tires I've had on other vehicles. I like the range I get with the stock 21's, and now that there seems to be a viable alternative to them I like the idea of eventually replacing them with the Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 275/55/21 116H XL. That said, I have a few questions that some of you might be able to answer.

Q1: Are the Michelin Defender's specifically EV tires?

I see they specifically fit the Rivian R1T R1S 21" factory wheels and 1EV 21" wheels, but that may not mean they are EV-specific. I don't see that as a necessity but EngineeringExplained offers some arguments for why it can matter in terms of handling and range.

Q2: What is the rolling resistance and/or range efficiency delta between these and the OEM tires?

I'm very curious about real world efficiency numbers from owners who've made this switch. These are nearly the exact same size as the OEM tires, but what's the rolling resistance, and should you expect the same mi/kWh or will it be likely to decrease? I'm not sure if rolling resistance numbers are available for either of these tires, but presumably, owners who've had them both might know if their real-world mi/kWh performance stayed the same or went down.

Q3: How is the handling and noise performance between these and the OEM tires?

I'm also curious about user experience regarding handling, road noise, etc. Those factors do matter, too! If you've replaced a set of OEM tires with these, what do you think about the overall ride quality? Is it better, worse, or about the same?

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[LL75]

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...efender-ltx-m-s-2-275-55-21-380.15645/page-33

small sample size since the tires just released. page 33 and beyond.

 

[kewlasu]

I have mine installed last week. I have put in almost close to 400 miles already. Don't see any difference in efficiency, noise and handling but time will tell. I'm hoping they'll do well this winter when the snow starts coming down here in New England. On the Michellin website, this is what they recommended for R1T.

 

[Jakelake]

They have only been available for a few weeks. Might take a few months to get good info. I bought a set 2 weeks ago but I'm waiting until I wear out my Pirellis to mount them. I have about 16,000 on the OEMs and will probably get another 5 or 6 thousand out of them. Looking forward to trying the Michelins.

 

[IRun]

I have had them since Saturday the 7th so not enough data on them yet. Initial highway drive the next day had me a little under 2 mi/kw while the same drive/conditions on the Pirellis had me at 2.25 mi/kw. Mainly posting so I remember to come back and update when I have more data.

 

[snowboarder777]

Had mines mounted on a month ago and got through initial break in period. Will update you on real world efficiency end of this weekend after fully charging the Rivian R1S and resetting the efficiency. Mostly above 2.25 to 2.4 so far and getting better as the tires are now nicely broken in.

 

[LL75]

My prediction will be less efficient than the OEM pirelli. There are quite a few people in here with the same tires but in 275/60/20 and it is the same or a little less. The Pirelli is a shitty tire but definitely have less rolling resistant than the Michelin.

 

[IRun]

Had mines mounted on a month ago and got through initial break in period. Will update you on real world efficiency end of this weekend after fully charging the Rivian R1S and resetting the efficiency. Mostly above 2.25 to 2.4 so far and getting better as the tires are now nicely broken in.

When did you start to see the increase in efficiency, mileage wise?

 

[dradam]

Any Updates for those that have switched from the stock Pirelli 21's to the Michelin 21"s ? Preparing for my next tires. TIA

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Any Updates for those that have switched from the stock Pirelli 21's to the Michelin 21"s ? Preparing for my next tires. TIA

ditto ditto

 

[DB88]

interested as well.

 

[GreenOptimist]

Just crossed 550 miles so barely broken in. Like the ride feel a lot more than the worn out Pirelli’s felt at 23K, but too early to tell on efficiency on my set.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Just crossed 550 miles so barely broken in. Like the ride feel a lot more than the worn out Pirelli’s felt at 23K, but too early to tell on efficiency on my set.

Thank you! Please keep us abreast!

 

[madhat]

I switched from stock 21s to 22s with the Defenders (115 not 119). Right from the start, I was seeing roughly equal to what the stock 22s would get. Note that I’ve got a few thousand on them, I’m getting roughly what I was with the 21s. You should be seeing a big drop in noise and maybe 3-7% economy increase.

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