Question about improving miles per kilowatt

[liquidshadowfox]

Yea I'm upset about there not being easily published specs on tires.

[aerohead]

I've no idea what the cost was, but on an episode of 'Rick's Restorations', a local Las Vegas, Nevada sign company created high density foam tooling using AUTO-CAD-CAM, used to vacuum-form heated polycarbonate sheet material over, creating a clear structure, much like poly skylights are formed.
It would be interesting to know what Lexan covers like this would fetch.
The Mercedes' EQXX concept wheels are completely 'sealed' like this would be.

[freebeard]

...used to vacuum-form heated polycarbonate sheet material over...

Clamp it under a perfect 19[-21]" circle and inflate it with compressed air. Trim to fit.

[Isaac Zachary]

At 70mph most of your battery energy is going to pushing around air. There are two ways to help reduce that effect.

1. Drive slower.
2. Change the shape of the vehicle like this guy: https://www.aerocivic.com/

Well, I guess there's a third option. Sell the crossover and get something more aerodynamic like a sedan or an Aptera.

Tires might help some. But will it be enough?

[liquidshadowfox]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary

At 70mph most of your battery energy is going to pushing around air. There are two ways to help reduce that effect.

Well, I guess there's a third option. Sell the crossover and get something more aerodynamic like a sedan or an Aptera.

Tires might help some. But will it be enough?

Not gonna sell, love this car and yes I'll drive slower to compensate but when I do get my hands on those hancook ion tires and the wheel covers ill do some testing and report if there are any range gains. Do you think a front air dam would help? Not sure considering the bottom of the car appears to already be pretty smooth.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by liquidshadowfox

Not gonna sell, love this car and yes I'll drive slower to compensate but when I do get my hands on those hancook ion tires and the wheel covers ill do some testing and report if there are any range gains. Do you think a front air dam would help? Not sure considering the bottom of the car appears to already be pretty smooth.

A front air dam might help slightly. Or it could hinder slightly. It mainly helps vehicles without a smooth underside.

Although the 65+ Efficiendy Mods list puts a front air dam at a moderate increase in better mileage, so that's encouraging.
https://ecomodder.com/forum/fuel-eco...ifications.php

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by liquidshadowfox

Not gonna sell, love this car and yes I'll drive slower to compensate but when I do get my hands on those hancook ion tires and the wheel covers ill do some testing and report if there are any range gains. Do you think a front air dam would help? Not sure considering the bottom of the car appears to already be pretty smooth.

New tires generally get worse economy. You want really worn out ones if you want good economy. That's a separate discussion from buying efficient ones to begin with.

I doubt an air dam would help since EVs in particular are designed with smooth airflow in mind. My guess is it would make things slightly worse.

[Isaac Zachary]

The rear of any vehicle is where most of the aerodynamic drag can be helped. People like boxy rear ends, so manufactures don't go all out aerodynamic on the rear. But if you did it yourself you could get a major improvement in range, much more than with eco tires and front air dam combined.

[freebeard]

As said, air dams are a band-aid. At the very least provide a central notch to provide a high speed jet that will pull air from behind the wheels.

A splitter won't impede the approach angle (as much) and provides 'free' downforce.

[liquidshadowfox]

Any examples of this notch?