I've been doing this same test on a MG4, and to my surprise to aero wheel covers genuinely do seem to increase the range by up to 10%. I didn't believe it at first and thought it might be the winter temperatures, but after back to back tests on the same route under the same conditions on different days from a fully charged cold battery start I really am seeing a 7%-10% improvement to range with the aero covers. Since this surprises me so much, I'm going to continue to test and reproduce the results.
There are tonnes of Tesla / Model 3 / EV channels on UA-cam and this is fast becoming my favourite. Concise and fun presentation style of useful content with real insights you don't see anywhere else. I'll be getting a Model 3 later this year and I'll definitely be using your referral code. Big thumbs up from N Ireland.
Thanks a lot for this, that's really nice and cheered me up in these gloomy times. I just try to do things I feel I wanted to know (or still do) when I got mine, and also want more people to get an electric car, as feel people are missing out that don't know about them :) I'll try and keep it up
No probs. It had been bugging me for a while to be honest, so thought I may as well share my findings, as hadn't found a video that answered it quite the way I wanted to know the answer
Yep, I'm going to switch them up from time to time I think now, maybe put them on for longer journeys. I'm going to do the test again in the summer to see if weather changes the results, as I think the air is denser in summer.
Haha, no problem. It has been bugging me for a while, so thought I should get round to it. Nice to know I can mix the look up and it not cost a fortune :)
Covers off! Put reasonably sized spacers on too (5mm front, 15mm back). Looks great, no discernible range loss, but did nick a wheel on a curb. Put those rim protectors on!
one guy did a hot lap in this car in Germany on Nürburgring and he reported the aero-hubcaps contributed to Model 3 brakes overheating, due to high-speed cornering. It wont make any difference to normal driving but there will be more heat in braking area of the car (pads, disks, etc) which may also effect the brakes longevity wear-and-tear. Every remedy has side effects. I do prefer the looks of the naked alloy wheel rims, these plastic hub-caps are OK but not too flash.
Added benefit of having aero wheels on is it protects the brake rotors from the elements. And considering that the Model 3 uses regen braking, that's a good thing. If the rotors were exposed to the elements you can guarantee that there will be some rust on the rotors, especially when the brakes are not physically being used.
I keep my wheel protectors on because they help to prevent kerb rash. I dislike the way they are clipped onto the rims, as this damages the finish, so they rarely come off, save to occasionally clean brake dust off the rims.
i took my aero wheels off quite a while ago (using them as Decoration in the living room, totally worth it) , and now after watching your video i know it was a good decision :D
I might put mine back on purely as they are taking space up in the garage and the fact I haven't hung the pictures in my living room for ages, makes me think I won't be hanging the aero wheels any time soon either
Another great video, thanks. I really find your videos helpful and beneficial, also your style and filmography is very good. I now have a model 3 LR on order (company car, leased)
thanks for the feedback, its quite tough to keep producing stuff weekly and make it look good too, so glad you are enjoying the effort. I love that so many people are taking the leap and going electric. I think the uptake curve is going to get steeper and steeper as people find out all the benefits.
The difference (savings) is fairly insignificant by removing the aero hubcaps. I was opting for the $1500 upgraded Sports wheels because I thought they just looked sharper, but the 18" are decent and I have the choice for long distance trips... thanks! Are there any other differences between the two tires: 18" vs 19"?
The comment I saw from “Tesla”, reported on Electrek, was that 10% was an efficiency gain relative to the 19” sport wheels, not relative to the 18” wheels without the caps. I have the 19 sport wheels, and they’re awful. Size reduces range, but so does the fact that Tesla gives you two with turbines that are “backwards”, simply to allow them to use one wheel mold. It makes the 19s much worse vs the aero wheels, with or without caps
Good vid. Most other tests getting 3-4% difference. Nobody at Tesla has ever said the aero covers increase range by 10%. Probably Chinese whispers rumour that started from the data that Tesla submitted to the EPA indicating that energy consumption of the 18" Aero wheels was about 10% less than the 19" Sport wheels.
Good test and thank you. What it shows is for a M3P owner, getting aftermarket 18” wheels for winter is a no-brainer, and that it doesn’t matter if the aero covers don’t fit!
Great video, thanks for sorting this out! Would be great if you have the possibility to verify Michelin's 7% efficiency claim for their new e-primacy tires... I would do it by myself but I have 19" with stock Hankook Evo and 18" with Michelin e-primacy - and I already see the difference, but of course it's like comparing apples and oranges with the different sizes...
The way aerodynamics work is it changes depending on speed and pressure. so more speed and more pressure means an increase in air friction. It doesn't translate evenly.
I choose the standard wheels for the BMW i3 because they didn't incur extra cost, the tyres less when replacing and a more comfortable ride, plus they go so well with the quirky looks. And suddenly I started to view fancy alloys as so yesterday's stuff, like go faster strips. I am very pleased with the Aero covers on my 2021 model 3 and they are staying put. They are really nice touch and the car looks serene.
I know where you are coming from. I think I might change them up, I've had my aeros off for a couple of weeks now, but I'm kinda getting bored of the alloys already, so they might go back on soon :)
I'm still quite curious to see how much in terms of efficiency it affects a gas car. If it's just wind resistance, theoretically my 2003 Accord v6 should get upwards of 32 MPG on the interstate with the aero caps on my tesla model 3 wheels/tires.
I plan on documenting my findings whenever I get my hands on a set and go on a round trip 800+ mile journey. One half tank with caps, one half tank without.
Great video! with very fair evaluation of Aero covers at high speed. A relevant question is (and possibly a new video...) : Do the Aero covers have a negative effect around town, at low speeds, lots of stop & go? ... Here the factors in play will be the added weight of the covers, as well as the extra energy required to accelerate / decelerate and angular inertia associated with the extra weight on a spinning wheel. Since in real life, we do a blend of highway and around town driving, this negative effect of the aero covers should negate some of the cover's high speed benefits...
I didn’t, but I’m not sure that would make any difference to the result. I think that only helps the Model 3 predict your range better. As far as I’m aware, the wh/mile is literally calculated by dividing power used by miles travelled
I think they Tesla executives were really quoting themselves in the difference between the 21” Uber turbine wheels vs the 19”Gemini wheels which cause a 10% difference in mileage on a Tesla. Ie the difference between a long range and a performance model is due to the wheels mainly.
Fair play for doing this, great video. Im wondering though as its just yourself in the car that might be the reason it did'nt make much difference ie 80kg vs 400kg+? Finding 4 more volunteers to drive around and circles might be the hardest part. I do most of my driving by myself so probably gonna take off the covers.
I wonder if at high speed the aero wheels have less impact than at lower speeds. At high speed the air might not make it in to the sides of the rims as much (High speed air on the side, low pressure system), but I'm not an aerodynamics expert, just a guess.
I think the alloys underneath look almost exactly the same. I saw a comparison video somewhere that showed that side by side the colour is a tiniest bit darker and the castings on the new ones have very slightly sharper edges to the spokes. So the look is the same underneath the slightly revised wheel covers.
It would be interesting to see the same test on a windy rainy day as I would assume they would prove there efficiency even more, this test looks like a fairly decent weather with little wind. Also of course to bare in mind if your not home charging on a cheap rate and using rapids/superchargers it’s going to be a fair bit more than £2.50.
Yep, that's true. I'm going to do it again in the summer, I was doing some research that says the air is denser in summer as its hotter with particles bounding around more, so may make more of a difference in hotter climates
best attempt at a statistical comparison I've seen (several others tried it on just one trip) and confirms my expectations that there's no way a few small bits of spinning plastic on a vehicle with a mass of over 1600 kg is going to correlate with a ten percent efficiency boost. Wish I took mine off sooner, they make the car look like a cheap plastic toy.
Hi Stuart, I am. When I was trying to find out a reason for maybe not making as much a difference as I'd thought, I found the cold air is easier to travel through as its particles are moving less, so that might explain it. Im going to do it again in summer and see the difference
@@TeslaTorque thanks for getting back to me. It’s an interesting subject as I think we’re all still getting our heads around vehicle electric efficiencies ie we had only gone with what we’re told which is why I thought your test was good. As a mode 3 lr owner, I only took delivery 3 weeks ago and I’ve found the uk temperatures to be really effecting battery efficiency. However, But it’s been flippin’ cold. I’ve been watching Bjorn Nyland’s sub zero videos with the model 3. Model 3’s proving despite the extra frosty (-25) temperatures a very efficient vehicle.
Another great video... Thanks for proving that they don't make much difference. Remember you don't travel at 70 mph all the time, so you can reduce your costs by at least 50%! Maybe only £1/year difference in costs...
If you knew how late I always am for stuff, I probably do travel 70mph most of the time 🤣 (But you are very right, town driving is going to be insignificant)
YOU can improve the range by putting the kit sold by tesla - it is a centre hub and caps for the nuts - its a must have if you remove the plastic aeros
I have a red long range M3 ready to be delivered in a week or two. I am going to take the cover off, paint the stock wheels black and paint the rotors red....I think it will look great!
Completely agree, the heater is the big eater of energy, I'm going to see by how much in a video in the future. But that may have been overcome to some extent by the heat pump fingers crossed in the newer 2021 models
I pulled the Aero covers off our new Model Y after I keep hearing a "creaking" noise when driving near walls etc. Traced it to the Aero covers. So for that reason alone I wanted them off. The gain with them wasn't worth it to me and the stock 19" Apollo wheels on the Y look awesome. I have since painted them gloss black and love the look even more. imgur.com/9JmCxki
So three was with the aero wheels and four was without. Basically runs 1 & 3 are aeros on and 2 & 4 with aeros off. The reason I did it like that as wanted the distance, but didn't want weather change in the time it would take to do that distance to affect the outcome. Similar any changes in car condition or battery efficiency should have been evenly spread to affect runs 3 & 4. Hopefully that makes sense?
I agree, I guess though with competition as it is, that additional ~5 miles of range might help persuade a customer (even though in reality turning the heating on for 5 mins will zap that away)
Please do it again at higher speed. 120kph is not unusual for highway speeds, at least in the States. Shouldn't this significantly increase the efficiency difference?
That is not much reduction in efficiency really. Thanks for doing the test and the maths. I like the alloys underneath, but I think they need the centre caps to hide the Inevitability slightly rusty nuts and hubs. I’m thinking that the cheaper-to- replace aero covers offer some scuff protection for the wheels underneath as well. Good video. Thanks!
I was hoping they would offer some protection, but annoyingly rims are still very vulnerable, as I've found out :( They offer some protection to the main bit, but I guess if no one sees them as you have aeros on what's the point in keeping them nice? I got a cheap set of centre caps for £12, I'm putting them on tomorrow, so hopefully hide the rusty middle :)
Really informative, bigger difference going 19” v 18”. Will remove aero’s and use wheel bolt / centre kit - alloys look far better and I need to cut down on my coffee 🤣👍
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Yeah, I read the post. It wasn't really too clear what he was referring too, he didn't really say what he was comparing it too. (Also might not have been the VP at all, as it was a conversation at a supercharger), but as that was the figure I hear most quoted went with it, either way...not 10%. :(
A $50,000 car supplied with plastic wheel trims over cast alloys is just bizarre. The car should come with appropriately aerodynamic alloy wheels from the factory. Other EVs come with such wheels
Should I tell you it also doesn't come with floor mats 👀 I think Tesla's approach has been make as most as possible an affordable car first, and as margins increase add more quality features, which I think has been shown in the 2021 Models with power boot, but I do know where you are coming from :)
@@TeslaTorque No problem at all 👍🏻 I absolutely love it and still smile each day I drive it! Just let me know when your ready. Bored of lockdown now 🤦🏼♂️
It would have been nice if you had given more reasons to keep them on than just saving a couple quid. Wipe your finger across the back of the aero wheel when you take them off. All that break dust which is far less than an ICE still has to go somewhere, most becomes airborne. Also EVs with alloys with thin spokes look stupid it's like they are missing the point. Save that look for the ICE cars and embrace the velodrome look.. Vossen 313T are a great looking alloy if you can afford the price tag but it's the direction makers should go in, we don't need thin spokes. Another alternative is to keep the aero's for the winter and put on some winter tyres. If you follow trusted tyre reviews you'll see how much safer you are on winter tyres when the temperature falls below 10 degrees and buy some summer alloys. Taking the covers off now in the height of the salted road season is madness just take them off to clean the wheels. Also you should rotate your tyres, so if you have two sets of alloys then every 6 months you change the look and rotate them..
@@TeslaTorque as I said above the cover catches the pollutants that will otherwise become airborne so they have a really good use. Taking them off just shows off the rubbish brakes, it's not exactly a brembo vented disc set up.. EV's shouldn't try to copy ICE cars that was my point, be proud it looks weird and wonderful. It's a shame the TM3 doesn't push the it more. The rear let's it down it's almost dull the Polstar 2 has a better real and it's a Volvo!
Haha, that's a great thought actually, hadn't thought of that, hopefully it costs Tesla less to make them, but yes, not worth you buying them if you haven't got them
Fair enough, I was top end of my budget when I got my car, so didn’t want to spend even more for wheels, plus I think overall range is better with 18 inch
@@TeslaTorque Well, I don't think aero caps look that bad. They just don't look... great. Besides, 3-5% efficiency increase is insane, it would need black magic in gasoline car world to add that much more range! But there's other ways to pimp up default rims, take a look at rimetrix orbital wheel covers, they keep the efficiency and look pretty good. Unfortunately they are not currently shipping outside US, but I contacted them awhile ago and they said possibly at march they start shipping them overseas. Totally gonna order them for my car as soon as they start shipping to EU >:)
I understand it looks better without the hubcaps but why buy an electric vehicle if you want to waste more money? I thought the point was to have more money in your Pocket.
I tend to like to use the word overly optimistic 😂, I can handle the odd lie if it makes the word greener and air less polluted. I mean it does make it more efficient, just not quite as much as expected
That will help a lot because 80% of owners hates those plastic covers , there is a nice center hub which will cover the bolts and has a center T in the middle too.
I don’t even think it’s that because the premium wheels are not directional. IOW, the passenger side goes the wrong way. They are all the same. I bet more tests would eliminate the difference. I think it’s a total fraud.
Aero designed wheels can only work on one side ......usually the LHS .....hmmm. Is that because it’s the driver’s side for most markets and they look convincing for the prospective owner. Even the aero caps on the SR+ we have, work best on the LHS .....because they reverse direction on the other side. Think of those fancy and expensive turbine wheels.......suck on one side and blow on the other.
@@TeslaTorque no . Take the wheel to the other side and the rotation direction reverses. It’s the looks (the turbo wheels) that they are selling. It’s not to be confused with tread pattern which puts ‘the meat’ on the outside on either side.
To be honest, you are probably right! I use to use Epidemic Sounds, then went to Adobe Stock, which turns out to pretty much just use Epidemic sounds, I'm guessing producers just push it out to all the same outlets 🤷♂️. Maybe I should stop searching for "opening montage" music though, that could be my problem 😂
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been doing this same test on a MG4, and to my surprise to aero wheel covers genuinely do seem to increase the range by up to 10%. I didn't believe it at first and thought it might be the winter temperatures, but after back to back tests on the same route under the same conditions on different days from a fully charged cold battery start I really am seeing a 7%-10% improvement to range with the aero covers. Since this surprises me so much, I'm going to continue to test and reproduce the results.
Best video test on this theory. Been trying to search every where to find a detailed test like this. Also your testing methods were spot on.
There are tonnes of Tesla / Model 3 / EV channels on UA-cam and this is fast becoming my favourite. Concise and fun presentation style of useful content with real insights you don't see anywhere else. I'll be getting a Model 3 later this year and I'll definitely be using your referral code. Big thumbs up from N Ireland.
Thanks a lot for this, that's really nice and cheered me up in these gloomy times. I just try to do things I feel I wanted to know (or still do) when I got mine, and also want more people to get an electric car, as feel people are missing out that don't know about them :) I'll try and keep it up
Nice testing. I took my aero covers off and installed the nice looking caps on the center and nuts. Thanks for the video.
I think I'm leaving mine off for a couple of months, and maybe put them back on when I get bored
Perfect timing, I was wondering what the real life difference would be. Now I’ll take them off and switch the look around.
Thanks for the video 👍
No probs. It had been bugging me for a while to be honest, so thought I may as well share my findings, as hadn't found a video that answered it quite the way I wanted to know the answer
Thanks for this. I was toying with the idea of taking the covers off. Satisfied now 👍🏻
Yep, I'm going to switch them up from time to time I think now, maybe put them on for longer journeys. I'm going to do the test again in the summer to see if weather changes the results, as I think the air is denser in summer.
We all know OEMs spin there figures so real world testing is something I all ways look out for. I can't be arsed to do it myself so thanks for that. 😉
Haha, no problem. It has been bugging me for a while, so thought I should get round to it. Nice to know I can mix the look up and it not cost a fortune :)
Covers off! Put reasonably sized spacers on too (5mm front, 15mm back). Looks great, no discernible range loss, but did nick a wheel on a curb. Put those rim protectors on!
one guy did a hot lap in this car in Germany on Nürburgring and he reported the aero-hubcaps contributed to Model 3 brakes overheating, due to high-speed cornering. It wont make any difference to normal driving but there will be more heat in braking area of the car (pads, disks, etc) which may also effect the brakes longevity wear-and-tear. Every remedy has side effects. I do prefer the looks of the naked alloy wheel rims, these plastic hub-caps are OK but not too flash.
Added benefit of having aero wheels on is it protects the brake rotors from the elements. And considering that the Model 3 uses regen braking, that's a good thing. If the rotors were exposed to the elements you can guarantee that there will be some rust on the rotors, especially when the brakes are not physically being used.
Drive it a little harder after a full-ish charge to clean those rotors once a week.
So thorough! My compliments to you for your very balanced and impartial tests!
I keep my wheel protectors on because they help to prevent kerb rash. I dislike the way they are clipped onto the rims, as this damages the finish, so they rarely come off, save to occasionally clean brake dust off the rims.
Yep, I give everything a good clean before putting them back on to try and minimise damage by dirt grinding on them
This was a topic I was also wondering, I even bought the official Tesla kit that covers the bolts and the centre. Thanks
I have gone for an ebay knock off for the covers now I'm keeping them off for a while, I might regret it if buy cheap buy twice comes true ;)
@@TeslaTorque The wife watched me put them on one wheel and said 'you paid £45 for that....mug' :-(
i took my aero wheels off quite a while ago (using them as Decoration in the living room, totally worth it) , and now after watching your video i know it was a good decision :D
I might put mine back on purely as they are taking space up in the garage and the fact I haven't hung the pictures in my living room for ages, makes me think I won't be hanging the aero wheels any time soon either
Another great video, thanks. I really find your videos helpful and beneficial, also your style and filmography is very good. I now have a model 3 LR on order (company car, leased)
thanks for the feedback, its quite tough to keep producing stuff weekly and make it look good too, so glad you are enjoying the effort.
I love that so many people are taking the leap and going electric. I think the uptake curve is going to get steeper and steeper as people find out all the benefits.
The difference (savings) is fairly insignificant by removing the aero hubcaps. I was opting for the $1500 upgraded Sports wheels because I thought they just looked sharper, but the 18" are decent and I have the choice for long distance trips... thanks! Are there any other differences between the two tires: 18" vs 19"?
The comment I saw from “Tesla”, reported on Electrek, was that 10% was an efficiency gain relative to the 19” sport wheels, not relative to the 18” wheels without the caps.
I have the 19 sport wheels, and they’re awful. Size reduces range, but so does the fact that Tesla gives you two with turbines that are “backwards”, simply to allow them to use one wheel mold. It makes the 19s much worse vs the aero wheels, with or without caps
Good vid. Most other tests getting 3-4% difference. Nobody at Tesla has ever said the aero covers increase range by 10%. Probably Chinese whispers rumour that started from the data that Tesla submitted to the EPA indicating that energy consumption of the 18" Aero wheels was about 10% less than the 19" Sport wheels.
Very interesting one this. Thx 👍🏻 I have wondered what difference the Aero wheel trims might actually make and a UK test is good to see 🙂
I'm going to do it again in the summer, see if its different in hotter climates
funny that I actually like the Aero covers better than those rims. I keep mine on. I've always heard 10 miles extra per full charge with the Aero's.
Why not run the heater, seats, stereo?
If they were used for both covers-on and covers-off runs they have no influence on the outcome.
Good test and thank you. What it shows is for a M3P owner, getting aftermarket 18” wheels for winter is a no-brainer, and that it doesn’t matter if the aero covers don’t fit!
Very good points :)
ThaNks. VeRy. IfOrmaTivE. ViDeo. Sorry my shift got stuck
Love it, think you should write like that all the time
Thanks for this information really informative and well compiled much appreciated keep up the great videos 👍
Thanks Allen, I just wish it was warmer weather to have done it on and a more interesting road :)
Well done on a well edited and thorough video!
Thanks glad you liked it. Filming on this day was particularly cold I remember without the heater on 😜
I actually like the Aero wheels
Great video!
This is so helpful! Exactly the info I was after, thank you 😎
No problem, I wanted to know myself, just to see :)
Great video, thanks for sorting this out! Would be great if you have the possibility to verify Michelin's 7% efficiency claim for their new e-primacy tires... I would do it by myself but I have 19" with stock Hankook Evo and 18" with Michelin e-primacy - and I already see the difference, but of course it's like comparing apples and oranges with the different sizes...
I’m feeling that is a massive hint for me to do a video on it 😂. Maybe when the channel is making more money I can invest in some 👍🏻
When I saw the weather and the land I thought the video was shot somwhere in the Netherlands.
The way aerodynamics work is it changes depending on speed and pressure. so more speed and more pressure means an increase in air friction. It doesn't translate evenly.
All great videos so kudos sir. My M3LR arrives in a few weeks so this video confirms my choice to remove the aero caps !! 👍
Glad it helped
You should check it with normal speed, over 90 or 100 MPh.
If it gave something with 70MPh it shoul work much better with bigger speed.
My big question. What about regular car. Like a vw polo With 14" wheel? 🤔🤔
I choose the standard wheels for the BMW i3 because they didn't incur extra cost, the tyres less when replacing and a more comfortable ride, plus they go so well with the quirky looks. And suddenly I started to view fancy alloys as so yesterday's stuff, like go faster strips. I am very pleased with the Aero covers on my 2021 model 3 and they are staying put. They are really nice touch and the car looks serene.
I know where you are coming from. I think I might change them up, I've had my aeros off for a couple of weeks now, but I'm kinda getting bored of the alloys already, so they might go back on soon :)
I'm still quite curious to see how much in terms of efficiency it affects a gas car. If it's just wind resistance, theoretically my 2003 Accord v6 should get upwards of 32 MPG on the interstate with the aero caps on my tesla model 3 wheels/tires.
I plan on documenting my findings whenever I get my hands on a set and go on a round trip 800+ mile journey. One half tank with caps, one half tank without.
Would be interesting to see. In theory I imagine improve it same percentage, cars should have been doing it ages ago
Excellent video. Thank you!
Great video! with very fair evaluation of Aero covers at high speed. A relevant question is (and possibly a new video...) : Do the Aero covers have a negative effect around town, at low speeds, lots of stop & go? ... Here the factors in play will be the added weight of the covers, as well as the extra energy required to accelerate / decelerate and angular inertia associated with the extra weight on a spinning wheel. Since in real life, we do a blend of highway and around town driving, this negative effect of the aero covers should negate some of the cover's high speed benefits...
God damn this was highly scientific. I thought you were joking 😂
Ordering the caps now
Well done. Thank you for this video. I will feel much better removing my aero wheels.
Between the test runs did you change the wheel setting on the screen?
I didn’t, but I’m not sure that would make any difference to the result. I think that only helps the Model 3 predict your range better. As far as I’m aware, the wh/mile is literally calculated by dividing power used by miles travelled
I think they Tesla executives were really quoting themselves in the difference between the 21” Uber turbine wheels vs the 19”Gemini wheels which cause a 10% difference in mileage on a Tesla. Ie the difference between a long range and a performance model is due to the wheels mainly.
Fair play for doing this, great video. Im wondering though as its just yourself in the car that might be the reason it did'nt make much difference ie 80kg vs 400kg+? Finding 4 more volunteers to drive around and circles might be the hardest part. I do most of my driving by myself so probably gonna take off the covers.
Nice work looks like mine are coming off
I wonder if at high speed the aero wheels have less impact than at lower speeds. At high speed the air might not make it in to the sides of the rims as much (High speed air on the side, low pressure system), but I'm not an aerodynamics expert, just a guess.
aero mods have a bigger impact at higher speeds. thats literally how aerodyamics work...
Do you know if the 2021 model 3, with the slightly remodelled aero wheels, have the same alloys underneath?
I don't know I'm afraid, hopefully someone watching this might be able to give us an answer?
I have the 2021 model and they look the same
I think the alloys underneath look almost exactly the same. I saw a comparison video somewhere that showed that side by side the colour is a tiniest bit darker and the castings on the new ones have very slightly sharper edges to the spokes. So the look is the same underneath the slightly revised wheel covers.
The alloys in the refreshed model are exactly the same.
Thanks Lee for that update, as not seen any without (or maybe I have and just didn't know it if they were the same 🤣)
It would be interesting to see the same test on a windy rainy day as I would assume they would prove there efficiency even more, this test looks like a fairly decent weather with little wind. Also of course to bare in mind if your not home charging on a cheap rate and using rapids/superchargers it’s going to be a fair bit more than £2.50.
Yep, that's true. I'm going to do it again in the summer, I was doing some research that says the air is denser in summer as its hotter with particles bounding around more, so may make more of a difference in hotter climates
best attempt at a statistical comparison I've seen (several others tried it on just one trip) and confirms my expectations that there's no way a few small bits of spinning plastic on a vehicle with a mass of over 1600 kg is going to correlate with a ten percent efficiency boost. Wish I took mine off sooner, they make the car look like a cheap plastic toy.
Really was expecting greater differences, even a couple more percent.
Are you going to repeat the test in summer to confirm your analysis?
Hi Stuart, I am. When I was trying to find out a reason for maybe not making as much a difference as I'd thought, I found the cold air is easier to travel through as its particles are moving less, so that might explain it. Im going to do it again in summer and see the difference
@@TeslaTorque thanks for getting back to me. It’s an interesting subject as I think we’re all still getting our heads around vehicle electric efficiencies ie we had only gone with what we’re told which is why I thought your test was good. As a mode 3 lr owner, I only took delivery 3 weeks ago and I’ve found the uk temperatures to be really effecting battery efficiency. However, But it’s been flippin’ cold. I’ve been watching Bjorn Nyland’s sub zero videos with the model 3. Model 3’s proving despite the extra frosty (-25) temperatures a very efficient vehicle.
Ps keep up the great vids. Nice to see some realistic uk videos with a dash of whit an not over the top dramatics 👍👏
You know us brits, don't like to get too excited about stuff (although I may be a little dramatic when FSD becomes a thing 🤣)
@@TeslaTorque 🤣👍
Another great video... Thanks for proving that they don't make much difference.
Remember you don't travel at 70 mph all the time, so you can reduce your costs by at least 50%! Maybe only £1/year difference in costs...
If you knew how late I always am for stuff, I probably do travel 70mph most of the time 🤣 (But you are very right, town driving is going to be insignificant)
It was really well done bud
YOU can improve the range by putting the kit sold by tesla - it is a centre hub and caps for the nuts - its a must have if you remove the plastic aeros
So do those kits improve it too? I did have them, but just didn’t use them on the video, as too much hassle to keep swapping out
I am impressed, nice video
I have a red long range M3 ready to be delivered in a week or two. I am going to take the cover off, paint the stock wheels black and paint the rotors red....I think it will look great!
Have you done it yet?
@@TeslaTorque No, I changed my order to the performance in Dark silver with white interior. I took delivery a week ago and am loving it.
Great video!
Thanks Stephen, filing the drone shots was freezing though :)
It's a bit like mudflaps on/off then ? Driving style and temperature are probably more significant. Life's too short.
Completely agree, the heater is the big eater of energy, I'm going to see by how much in a video in the future. But that may have been overcome to some extent by the heat pump fingers crossed in the newer 2021 models
I have read the Aero Wheels are only good for about a 4% gain over the naked wheels. And many ad hoc tests confirm this.
Yep, I'm going to re-run the test in hotter weather, when air is denser, as this might make it nearer 4%, but be good to find out
The air will be less dense in warmer weather.
I pulled the Aero covers off our new Model Y after I keep hearing a "creaking" noise when driving near walls etc. Traced it to the Aero covers. So for that reason alone I wanted them off. The gain with them wasn't worth it to me and the stock 19" Apollo wheels on the Y look awesome. I have since painted them gloss black and love the look even more. imgur.com/9JmCxki
They do look pretty decent to be honest there :)
What’s the difference between runs 3 & 4?
So three was with the aero wheels and four was without. Basically runs 1 & 3 are aeros on and 2 & 4 with aeros off. The reason I did it like that as wanted the distance, but didn't want weather change in the time it would take to do that distance to affect the outcome. Similar any changes in car condition or battery efficiency should have been evenly spread to affect runs 3 & 4. Hopefully that makes sense?
It would be better for the environment for Tesla not to produce the plastic wheel trims, the financial side is very minimal.
Very informative video
I agree, I guess though with competition as it is, that additional ~5 miles of range might help persuade a customer (even though in reality turning the heating on for 5 mins will zap that away)
Please do it again at higher speed. 120kph is not unusual for highway speeds, at least in the States. Shouldn't this significantly increase the efficiency difference?
Annoyingly limited to 70mph here in the UK, maybe I’ll take a trip to Germany where we can go faster 👍🏻
I imagine 70mph would be revealing as well
That is not much reduction in efficiency really. Thanks for doing the test and the maths.
I like the alloys underneath, but I think they need the centre caps to hide the Inevitability slightly rusty nuts and hubs.
I’m thinking that the cheaper-to- replace aero covers offer some scuff protection for the wheels underneath as well.
Good video. Thanks!
I was hoping they would offer some protection, but annoyingly rims are still very vulnerable, as I've found out :( They offer some protection to the main bit, but I guess if no one sees them as you have aeros on what's the point in keeping them nice? I got a cheap set of centre caps for £12, I'm putting them on tomorrow, so hopefully hide the rusty middle :)
Really informative, bigger difference going 19” v 18”. Will remove aero’s and use wheel bolt / centre kit - alloys look far better and I need to cut down on my coffee 🤣👍
You only live once, your coffee use is fine :)
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Haven't got one yet but thanks for the maths!
No worries, I knew that A level in statistics would come in useful one day :)
What the VP said was that the *18" wheels with the covers* increase the range over the 19" wheels.
Yeah, I read the post. It wasn't really too clear what he was referring too, he didn't really say what he was comparing it too. (Also might not have been the VP at all, as it was a conversation at a supercharger), but as that was the figure I hear most quoted went with it, either way...not 10%. :(
Wide tyres penalise - increase aero drag.
I prefer the look of the aero wheels. But good to know it makes little difference either way
I have put them back on, I had them off for a while, but I'm same as you I think, prefer them on
A $50,000 car supplied with plastic wheel trims over cast alloys is just bizarre. The car should come with appropriately aerodynamic alloy wheels from the factory. Other EVs come with such wheels
Should I tell you it also doesn't come with floor mats 👀 I think Tesla's approach has been make as most as possible an affordable car first, and as margins increase add more quality features, which I think has been shown in the 2021 Models with power boot, but I do know where you are coming from :)
Great video...
Thanks Dave, sorry I haven't been in touch regarding seeing your new Model 3, COVID is a tad annoying right now, hope you are still enjoying it :)
@@TeslaTorque No problem at all 👍🏻 I absolutely love it and still smile each day I drive it! Just let me know when your ready. Bored of lockdown now 🤦🏼♂️
It would have been nice if you had given more reasons to keep them on than just saving a couple quid. Wipe your finger across the back of the aero wheel when you take them off. All that break dust which is far less than an ICE still has to go somewhere, most becomes airborne.
Also EVs with alloys with thin spokes look stupid it's like they are missing the point. Save that look for the ICE cars and embrace the velodrome look..
Vossen 313T are a great looking alloy if you can afford the price tag but it's the direction makers should go in, we don't need thin spokes.
Another alternative is to keep the aero's for the winter and put on some winter tyres. If you follow trusted tyre reviews you'll see how much safer you are on winter tyres when the temperature falls below 10 degrees and buy some summer alloys. Taking the covers off now in the height of the salted road season is madness just take them off to clean the wheels.
Also you should rotate your tyres, so if you have two sets of alloys then every 6 months you change the look and rotate them..
What kind of reasons were you thinking of? Most people worry about efficiency and range, so that's why I focused on that
@@TeslaTorque as I said above the cover catches the pollutants that will otherwise become airborne so they have a really good use.
Taking them off just shows off the rubbish brakes, it's not exactly a brembo vented disc set up..
EV's shouldn't try to copy ICE cars that was my point, be proud it looks weird and wonderful.
It's a shame the TM3 doesn't push the it more. The rear let's it down it's almost dull the Polstar 2 has a better real and it's a Volvo!
Consider the cost of the Aero Covers, $100(74.54£) for the set. Break-even is what? 298,100 miles!
Haha, that's a great thought actually, hadn't thought of that, hopefully it costs Tesla less to make them, but yes, not worth you buying them if you haven't got them
I think 18" wheels look equally bad with or without aero caps so I'm just going to keep them on.
Fair enough, I was top end of my budget when I got my car, so didn’t want to spend even more for wheels, plus I think overall range is better with 18 inch
@@TeslaTorque Well, I don't think aero caps look that bad. They just don't look... great. Besides, 3-5% efficiency increase is insane, it would need black magic in gasoline car world to add that much more range! But there's other ways to pimp up default rims, take a look at rimetrix orbital wheel covers, they keep the efficiency and look pretty good. Unfortunately they are not currently shipping outside US, but I contacted them awhile ago and they said possibly at march they start shipping them overseas. Totally gonna order them for my car as soon as they start shipping to EU >:)
I understand it looks better without the hubcaps but why buy an electric vehicle if you want to waste more money? I thought the point was to have more money in your Pocket.
80mph would make a big difference over 70mph
Interesting. Wheel covers off!
Yep, I have put mine back on now, but only as I fancied a change again :)
Lowering springs do a better job
That sounds out of my technical ability, I just about managed removing the hub caps :)
Everyone is an expert 😂
Yuck it looks bad without the center caps that hide the hole and bolts
I've been wondering about that! Now I know I can drive without those ugly wheel covers! Yay!
I've put mine back on last week 👀😂, but they were off for a good amount of time, just fancied a change again
Tesla didn't create anything, the Toyota Prius had aero hubcaps in 2006
If they lied about that, what else did they lie about?
I tend to like to use the word overly optimistic 😂, I can handle the odd lie if it makes the word greener and air less polluted. I mean it does make it more efficient, just not quite as much as expected
gosh.. it's almost like Elon overpromised again! 😧
That will help a lot because 80% of owners hates those plastic covers , there is a nice center hub which will cover the bolts and has a center T in the middle too.
My plastic nut cover things came a few days ago, going to put them on tomorrow...could face the cold weather before :)
I don’t even think it’s that because the premium wheels are not directional. IOW, the passenger side goes the wrong way. They are all the same. I bet more tests would eliminate the difference. I think it’s a total fraud.
Id rather lose range than look gay with those hubcaps
Lol electric cars can't go fast enough for the aerodynamic wheels to have any effect.
Tesla did not invent these. Like much of what Elon comes up with, this idea was around more than 60 years.
Aero designed wheels can only work on one side ......usually the LHS .....hmmm. Is that because it’s the driver’s side for most markets and they look convincing for the prospective owner.
Even the aero caps on the SR+ we have, work best on the LHS .....because they reverse direction on the other side.
Think of those fancy and expensive turbine wheels.......suck on one side and blow on the other.
How does that work? As surely they are all going the same direction, so should work the same? I don't know enough about it to be fair
@@TeslaTorque no .
Take the wheel to the other side and the rotation direction reverses. It’s the looks (the turbo wheels) that they are selling.
It’s not to be confused with tread pattern which puts ‘the meat’ on the outside on either side.
I’m beginning to think that EVERYONE on UA-cam gets their “opening montage” music from the same place.
To be honest, you are probably right! I use to use Epidemic Sounds, then went to Adobe Stock, which turns out to pretty much just use Epidemic sounds, I'm guessing producers just push it out to all the same outlets 🤷♂️. Maybe I should stop searching for "opening montage" music though, that could be my problem 😂