[Stlgasman]

Was anybody else surprised to see the range hit from the 20 inch wheels?

 

[Alan F]

Yes, I was. I wanted the 20s but the mileage difference was the deal breaker. I was at the LA Auto Show last week and they had 3 Ariyas, all with the 19s and they fill the wheel wells fine. I'm keeping my reservation as is, with the 19s.

 

[chanceagain]

Was anybody else surprised to see the range hit from the 20 inch wheels?

Hi -Where did you see it and what was the difference?

 

[Stlgasman]

It’s on the order page. Toggle between 19 and 20 inch wheels and range changes.

 

[Alan F]

Got it from the model specs sheet I got from the Nissan rep at the LA Auto show.Range with 19s is 265 miles. With 20s it drops to 241 miles.

 

[improvius]

Yep this has been a known thing for EVs for a while. There are lots of discussions and videos about it. Larger wheels will always reduce range.

 

[chanceagain]

It’s on the order page. Toggle between 19 and 20 inch wheels and range changes.

Thanks. That is a lot. I expected no more than 10 mile difference

 

[Nissan79]

Yep this has been a known thing for EVs for a while. There are lots of discussions and videos about it. Larger wheels will always reduce range.

I think this is "mostly" true, since larger wheels (with all else being equal) means more rolling mass, requiring more energy. But this doesn't necessarily mean that moving to smaller wheel (less mass) equates to more range. You have to factor in the drivetrain's efficiency 'sweet spot' in terms of torque vs overall wheel (actually tire) circumference. This can be seen with the Rivian RS1 wheel selection:

Rivian released info on how the wheel size will affect the range:

• 20" All-Terrain - 10-15% reduction so 267-283 miles (430-455 km)
  21" Road - 314 miles (505 km)
• 22" Sport - 5-10% reduction so 283-298 miles (455-479 km)

Notice that the 21" wheels provide more range than the 20", but range with 22" wheels suffers when compared to 21".

So the conclusion I'm drawing is that Nissan's engineers optimized the drivetrain efficiency for 19" wheels (and whatever factory tire size they are fitting to those wheels). I'd imagine they could have optimized for 20" wheels had they chosen to, but they didn't. Engineering/design is always a game of tradeoffs ;-).

 

[Nissan79]

And by the way, I'm running lighter aftermarket wheels on my 2015 Leaf SV. Its difficult to know for sure, but I believe they are accounting for a small increase (on average) to the overall range in my normal day to day driving (which is mostly in-town below speeds where aero wheels may provide an advantage). Can't say for sure, but I do believe that lighter wheels equate to more range (again, with all things being equal).

 

[improvius]

I think this is "mostly" true, since larger wheels (with all else being equal) means more rolling mass, requiring more energy. But this doesn't necessarily mean that moving to smaller wheel (less mass) equates to more range. You have to factor in the drivetrain's efficiency 'sweet spot' in terms of torque vs overall wheel (actually tire) circumference. This can be seen with the Rivian RS1 wheel selection:

Rivian released info on how the wheel size will affect the range:

• 20" All-Terrain - 10-15% reduction so 267-283 miles (430-455 km)
  21" Road - 314 miles (505 km)
• 22" Sport - 5-10% reduction so 283-298 miles (455-479 km)

Notice that the 21" wheels provide more range than the 20", but range with 22" wheels suffers when compared to 21".

So the conclusion I'm drawing is that Nissan's engineers optimized the drivetrain efficiency for 19" wheels (and whatever factory tire size they are fitting to those wheels). I'd imagine they could have optimized for 20" wheels had they chosen to, but they didn't. Engineering/design is always a game of tradeoffs ;-).

Looks like the tires on the 20" wheels are "all-terrain," which would explain the drop in efficiency.

 

[Nissan79]

Looks like the tires on the 20" wheels are "all-terrain," which would explain the drop in efficiency.

That's a good point and could very well account for the difference.

 

[Robamat]

Hi all, Just joined after finding this group while looking into what the difference is in the wheel size. So it looks like you loose mileage going from a 19 to 20 wheel but does anyone know what you gain for the extra cost. also does any one know what the tyre sizes are, as I want to end up with Micheline Cross Climates and that may make the difference

 

[Robamat]

Found the tyre sizes 235/55R19 & 255/45R20 just need to know the difference now

 

[improvius]

Found the tyre sizes 235/55R19 & 255/45R20 just need to know the difference now

You'll probably get a more firm ride, and maybe slightly better handling with the larger wheels. Not worth it IMO.