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Old 10-26-2022, 11:34 AM   #7 (permalink)
JSH
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phase View Post
then why does the ioniq with 15 inch tires get better highway mpg than the 17 inch trims?

also wayne at cleanmpg even did tests and showed that smaller tires make a huge difference in mpg across the board


bigger tires are for better performance and '' looks''. remember, people are hesitant to switching to evs because of the styling factor. thats how tesla took off. they made the first ev that didnt look sissy and weak and cheesy. they made a stylish ev with good long range. no one wouldve bought a 15 inch tire tesla if it meant longer range
There is a lot more to wheel / tires than just the diameter.

Larger diameter = less rolling resistance
Wider tread = more rolling resistance
Stickier compound = more rolling resistance
Heavier tire = more rotational mass = worse fuel economy.

When BMW had a special wheel tire made specifically for fuel economy they didn't go with 15 inch tires (or 13 or 12 inch) They went with 19 inch tires with the tread width narrower than a 15 that only weighs 16 lbs.
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