The Core

Rivian’s configurator shows an expected 40 mile range loss with 20” wheels versus the standard 21".

>40 mile range loss with 20” wheels versus the standard 21".

Odd, I would expect the opposite from smaller wheels.

More inertia, less rolling friction. So in stop and go, the small wheel might do better.

If you ride an old-school mountain bike with 26es and upgrade to a 29er, you'll feel the difference, especially as you have to roll over small bumps.

I was always taught (and had first-hand experience) that larger wheels are heavier, and therefore take more energy to turn. That was important in 90's Hondas where torque was scarce.

The trade-off is that larger wheels generally look better. Also, less tire sidewall is better for handling.

That all assumes same overall outer diameter of the tires. Larger overall wheel/tire diameter is worse for MPGs because they are heavier and the larger tire contact patch has more rolling resistance.

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15130598/upsized-wheels-tires/

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/how-does-wheel-size-affect-performance/

>>more rolling

Are you sure? I'm sure there's some sort of curve, but road bikes are generally more efficient with larger wheels up to a point (29 is much more efficient than a 2) and, again, mountain bikes have upsized as well because if you hit any sort of irregularity, with a large wheel it's not as steep of a "climb"

But with a big wheel, you have to set it motion, which is costly, which is why I was thinking big wheels would be bad for stop and go and good for cruising at a steady speed.

>>27.5

I went straight for a "niner." It felt very cumbersome to maneuver at first, but the advantage in terms of rolling resistance and traction (contact area) were worth it for the non-technical stuff I ride.

Ford surprises F-150 Lightning owners with accessory that can recharge stranded Teslas

https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/7/23158382/ford-f150-lightning-tesla-adapter-charger-power

Zing! Hit!

Elon is probably foaming at the mouth right now.

Tesla’s ‘unlimited’ connectivity plan, including navigation, now expires after eight years (theverge.com)

>>heard the same first-hand from a Tesla owner.

But he then went on to tell you how much better this was than the old-school tight panels on cars from legacy car companies and how he just can't imagine ever owning another car with tight panels.