ZEVcentric 18" wheels for R2

[NinjaWrap]

I wonder how efficiency compares with these. $2400 for a set though.

https://zevcentric.com/collections/r2-wheels

Video:

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[bentin]

I can't imagine it would be good, at least with a full tread a/t tire, but nice to see 18s work. I run 17s on my current car which has larger brakes, so not surprised to see that it's possible. If they offered a silver finish, I might have to buy a set.

 

[asellus]

do we think that wheel size is what impacts efficiency here? I would have thought the tire is what actually matters.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

do we think that wheel size is what impacts efficiency here? I would have thought the tire is what actually matters.

No. Rolling resistance (tire tread design and compound) is the biggest factor. Keeping OD of tire the same, smaller wheels give you more air volume/cushion and larger contact patch when aired down for off-road traction.

Efficiency of those aggressive ATs will be trash compared to the stock AS and worse than the all-weather BFG TT T/A+.

Efficiency isn’t the reason to choose 18s.

 

[bentin]

In general, a smaller wheel has a heavier tire, at the outer edge of the wheel, which needs more energy to accelerate or brake. And more sidewall tends to be wider, creating more drag. There’s a reason Rivian is supplying a/t tires with shorter tread blocks than standard for the 20”’option.

 

[NinjaWrap]

do we think that wheel size is what impacts efficiency here? I would have thought the tire is what actually matters.

in a way, yes.... if it makes the overall wheel+tire lighter or heavier

 

[asellus]

I see

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

in a way, yes.... if it makes the overall wheel+tire lighter or heavier

Not quite. It's far more nuanced than that if you want to talk about mass. Specifically rotational mass. Two wheel/tire combos of identical total static mass will require different amounts of energy to spin up (to same rotational speed) and keep it there... if one has more of its mass concentrated closer to axis rotation than the other.

So if comparing two identical 18" wheels, having the same size tire, the one shod with heavier tire is the less efficient of the two.

If comparing a 18" to a 20", it gets complicated. How much do each wheel weigh? how much of their materials are concentrated about axis of rotation? What tires are mounted to each and how much do they weigh?

Look at options for R2 Premium. Two different size wheels (and different design). Two difference sizes of Pirelli Scorpion M/S tires. Same 330 mi range.

 

[asellus]

ayy, someone gets it.

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