The first (and only) Aero Spoke Inserts for Rivian R1T / R1S 20" All-Terrain Wheels!

[AbhorViolence]

Also, for anyone testing, need to pay special attention to wind speed and direction. Because it is rarely consistent, best if you can test with as close to 0 wind as possible.
Also, recommend a relatively flat stretch where you can run 3-4 tests back to back (10 miles each way, with and without). Also need to target speed of at least 65 mph where these would be most noticeable, 60 mph and under you will not see any difference. Ideally run 80 to see what if any difference there is...

Yeah I ran a loop, back to back, 10-15 miles each way, for my tests, so should be fairly accurate.

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[SSteveEV]

ha ha, go ahead and order them - if you're not satisfied, I'll give you a full refund. Probably best for you to test and prove you're happy with the product

I'll just assume it isn't a big change based on the other reports at this point. If you ever share the CFD results showing otherwise please let us know. Money would be better spent on your other products. Or ice cream, always ice cream.

Also if you have a rated top speed that would be helpful for others too as previously requested

 

[Bar_Down]

I'm interested, but more like $199. Considering it.

Suggestion for another product as well...How about replacement factory covers that don't destroy the finish of the 21"s? You guys seem to have the skills.

$250 seems pricey to me, too. I'd take another look if you can lower price. Also, some real world results would be helpful... Get Kyle Conner to do a range test with and without. Also, knowing if they scratch the wheel or not would be good. I have 21s, too, and those Rivian aero inserts left a mark after my drive home from the factory. I haven't used them since. Thanks!

 

[Redmond Chad]

Earlier in the thread I noted my test results: 7% improvement at 71mph. I worked hard on the test and it seemed like pretty legit data, but most others aren't seeing that much improvement (if any at all).

I had mentioned a couple of things that might contribute to my results being different than others'. One is my non-OEM, non-AT tires; the other was my R1S versus R1T for some of the worst results.

I just remembered a third possibility - I have the TWraps mud flaps on my vehicle. That is something else that definitely changes the airflow near the aero inserts!

 

[EV Sportline]

Earlier in the thread I noted my test results: 7% improvement at 71mph. I worked hard on the test and it seemed like pretty legit data, but most others aren't seeing that much improvement (if any at all).

I had mentioned a couple of things that might contribute to my results being different than others'. One is my non-OEM, non-AT tires; the other was my R1S versus R1T for some of the worst results.

I just remembered a third possibility - I have the TWraps mud flaps on my vehicle. That is something else that definitely changes the airflow near the aero inserts!

Mud flaps will definitely cause loss of range - no doubt. thanks!

 

[GA_Rivian]

Just waded through all of this. Nowhere did anyone mention starting and ending battery temps. How significant is that in back-to-back tests? I haven't been tracking it but it seems to make a pretty big difference here in MT. Depending on the interval between when your charger quit and when you take off to test, the battery could have a large starting temp difference. Some mornings I start at 25F, some at 45F, differences vary widely based on the combination of ambient and when and how long the R1T was charging. Also wondering about when charging shuts off -- if it's set to 80%, does it shut off when it hits 80%, or somewhere higher up? There's a fair amount of space (~3mi) in 1% of range. Also, for me at home, it will inch up above the terminal % if left plugged in. So even if it says 80% when starting out it may be above that (e.g. 80.8%) if it didn't just shut off.

 

[Redmond Chad]

That's a good point; battery temps definitely affect efficiency - although the effect should decrease as the trip length increases and temps equalize.

My tests (see post 215) were about 116 miles each, and my battery temps should have been very similar for both runs as I hadn't just charged, I'd driven the same route to get to the test area, and outside temps were very similar.

(BTW I just drove past Ovando MT on Saturday. Too bad I didn't know to wave!)

 

[GA_Rivian]

(BTW I just drove past Ovando MT on Saturday. Too bad I didn't know to wave!)

Coming from where and to where? Where did you charge?

 

[Allister]

Just recently taken these off of my wheels after having them on for a couple of months. Loved the way they looked as it helped differentiate my T from the others with the 20s, but were more inefficient leaving them on than just leaving the wheels as they were. I have the same 140 mile commute every day and for the first couple of weeks I had them on and was actively paying attention to my SOC on arrival to work/home, I was down about 5% from what I'd normally arrive at after making it back home. Down 2% getting into work, and down another 3% by the time I made it back home.

I've had them off for about 2 weeks now and my range has gone back up to what it was before having them on. They also seriously scuffed and scratched my wheels. Really wish I had taken them off sooner, but I liked how they looked and the range penalty wasn't that big of a deal for me.

 

[Redmond Chad]

Coming from where and to where? Where did you charge?

I was going from Missoula to Great Falls - those are the places I charged.

BTW I've had my aero inserts for going on two years now, and everything has been fine - they don't rattle, haven't fallen out, etc. And I've been content with real-world efficiency consistently at least matching what the car estimates. Though I do sometimes think I should run a second test; the first one seemed pretty good but doesn't match others here, and the manufacturer not releasing the promised test results raises questions.

 

[mkhuffman]

Just recently taken these off of my wheels after having them on for a couple of months. Loved the way they looked as it helped differentiate my T from the others with the 20s, but were more inefficient leaving them on than just leaving the wheels as they were. I have the same 140 mile commute every day and for the first couple of weeks I had them on and was actively paying attention to my SOC on arrival to work/home, I was down about 5% from what I'd normally arrive at after making it back home. Down 2% getting into work, and down another 3% by the time I made it back home.

I've had them off for about 2 weeks now and my range has gone back up to what it was before having them on. They also seriously scuffed and scratched my wheels. Really wish I had taken them off sooner, but I liked how they looked and the range penalty wasn't that big of a deal for me.

Your experience proves how difficult it is to determine the aerodynamic impact of changes like adding these covers. I fully expected wheel rotational aerodynamic resistance to be less with them inserted, because the openings that grab the air are covered. But it is possible the shape of the spokes directs the air in a way that is more efficient and covering the holes creates turbulence that increases resistance. Amazing.

This is why Rivian does simulated and actual wind tunnel testing of various changes to get the best result possible. This is why any change from stock is likely going to have a negative impact on efficiency. Except maybe the Wakeshield bed cap. I am much more confident about that improving aerodynamics. Of course real world testing could prove me wrong again.

 

[Allister]

Your experience proves how difficult it is to determine the aerodynamic impact of changes like adding these covers. I fully expected wheel rotational aerodynamic resistance to be less with them inserted, because the openings that grab the air are covered. But it is possible the shape of the spokes directs the air in a way that is more efficient and covering the holes creates turbulence that increases resistance. Amazing.

This is why Rivian does simulated and actual wind tunnel testing of various changes to get the best result possible. This is why any change from stock is likely going to have a negative impact on efficiency. Except maybe the Wakeshield bed cap. I am much more confident about that improving aerodynamics. Of course real world testing could prove me wrong again.

Yea, when I ordered them I was so sure that I'd eek out at least a couple extra miles. I figured there was no way those wheels the way they were were very efficient. But as it turns out, I was wrong. At least that's been experience anyway. I know a few people here have had good experiences with these covers.

Then things that I was sure would have some kind of an impact, have had none at all. I figured adding the runnings boards would lose me a few miles. Nope, absolutely no change at all to my range having that.

 

[mkhuffman]

Yea, when I ordered them I was so sure that I'd eek out at least a couple extra miles. I figured there was no way those wheels the way they were were very efficient. But as it turns out, I was wrong. At least that's been experience anyway. I know a few people here have had good experiences with these covers.

Then things that I was sure would have some kind of an impact, have had none at all. I figured adding the runnings boards would lose me a few miles. Nope, absolutely no change at all to my range having that.

It is surprising to me also that the running boards had no impact. Wow. Very surprising. And good to know. I have never even considered them due to range impact concerns. Now I am going to consider them!

 

[GA_Rivian]

This whole discussion has been pretty interesting. I was considering leaving the stock covers off my 21" OEM wheels because they are a PITA when rotating, washing, etc. But I guess I'll leave them on. Probably won't look for any equivalents for the Atomic 20" AWZ2 wheels I use for winter.

 

[SSteveEV]

I'm genuinely surprised these are still on the market. Has been 2 years since they were first asked for efficiency/test data and none has been provided by manufacturer beyond "The aero inserts are definitely more 'aero efficient' than without. " followed by "buy them and test yourself"

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