Wheel Selection and Range
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
The dumbest thing all EV reviewers continue to harp on is that wheel size affects range. What affects range is tire friction and how aerodynamic the rims are. In fact the larger the diameter the better the efficiency since the net effect is lower revs per unit of distance... in fact the best range is a large diameter wheel and tire combo that is as thin as possible! Of course that means less braking and cornering performance...duh Regardless, overall "wheel" size is kept constant, if not you would have to adjust the speedometer. What changes is the width which in turn, all things being equal, means a bigger contact patch and thus higher friction coefficient. Finally the less aerodynamic the rim is higher the Cd is with the same effect! AGAIN! rim diameter has zero effect on range. The 450 is equipped with not only skinner tires, it also comes equipped with "slippier", but less attractive, rims.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,757
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
