21" wheel aero inserts are designed to be removable - confirmed by Rivian Customer Service!

[BeanEW]

That is interesting. I've been driving EVs since 2015 and I'd be careful to quote the 20-40% over EPA range as the expectation for everyone. Living in Seattle with our hills, mountains, and weather you almost certainly won't see that. None of my EV's have. Folks living in warmer climates and flatter places often see that though.

I definitely agree the 21's are the least attractive wheels by a lot...

My wife usually does 20% more than the EPA, and I get 20% below the EPA on the same car. I really think drivers matter the most.

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[BeanEW]

When I spend that kind of money for a car, I wanted the car to look its best... 20" AT all the way.

 

[Matty J]

When I spend that kind of money for a car, I wanted the car to look its best... 20" AT all the way.

Agreed, but the 22's look pretty nice on the R1S in my opinion... Tough choices, for sure!

 

[SANZC02]

When I spend that kind of money for a car, I wanted the car to look its best... 20" AT all the way.

Nice picture, not sure where you found it, furst image I have been able to read the tire rating on it

H = 130 MPH
115 = 2679 lbs

 

[Blueassassin]

Nice picture, not sure where you found it, furst image I have been able to read the tire rating on it

H = 130 MPH
115 = 2679 lbs

This is from the recent MT review

 

[Friscorays]

Bummer about March 1, 2022.

 

[Zeroemit]

Looks like im the only one who dont mind the aero covers

 

[Jamuso]

Looks like im the only one who dont mind the aero covers

You’re not. They’re not really bothering me either.

 

[eggpaul]

Serious questions: You can tell construction quality of wheels just by looking at a photograph? If so, what are the tip-offs of poor construction quality that you see on the 21s?

Good question. I own a Collison repair shop. I'm not saying they are poor construction, just that they look like any other Alloy wheel. Smooth machines surface. Nice color, etc. The 20 inched forged wheels look different than most wheels I've seen.
21s look good without the caps, but I feel like the range will suffer because the caps are there for a reason.

 

[Smithery]

You’re not. They’re not really bothering me either.

Me neither.

I'm still standing by the 20" AT, and - assuming it would lessen the hit to range noticeably - I actually wish I could add aero covers to them.

 

[SeaGeo]

Looks like im the only one who dont mind the aero covers

I don't either. And when they're removed I don't mind them. Honestly, the 20" Bright (R1S) wheels are the ones that I really don't like.

 

[Lobstahz]

Folks trying to thread the needle on range vs aesthetics by getting the 21's and removing the aero inserts should definitely go in knowing that you'll lose some range when you remove those inserts. No one knows how much, we can certainly speculate, but ultimately it will be less. Those inserts are there for a reason. If you like the look without the inserts, then by all means, go for it. Just don't think you'll get aero insert range without said aero inserts.

 

[Temerarius]

Folks trying to thread the needle on range vs aesthetics by getting the 21's and removing the aero inserts should definitely go in knowing that you'll lose some range when you remove those inserts. No one knows how much, we can certainly speculate, but ultimately it will be less. Those inserts are there for a reason. If you like the look without the inserts, then by all means, go for it. Just don't think you'll get aero insert range without said aero inserts.

....and all the "Humming" and "Hawing" to try and max that sweet sweet eMPG, will get chucked out the window the moment you smoosh down on the velocitator, go up a hill, or encounter rain.

 

[Lmirafuente]

....and all the "Humming" and "Hawing" to try and max that sweet sweet eMPG, will get chucked out the window the moment you smoosh down on the velocitator, go up a hill, or encounter rain.

Smoosh made me chuckle!

 

[kylealden]

No one knows how much, we can certainly speculate, but ultimately it will be less. Those inserts are there for a reason.

Ballpark speculation - the range hit from removing the covers is likely around 3-5% range, based on prior evidence from the Model 3/Y's aero covers. More than that is unlikely given the other aero factors at play, less than that and they'd probably skip the part.

It's fairly common for Tesla owners to leave them off for around-town driving and then just snap them in if they really need to hypermile for a road trip.

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