Q: How much range loss should I expect from wider wheels and tires on an EV, and how do I minimize it?
Range loss from larger wheels and tires depends on several factors, including wheel size, tire width and rolling resistance, suspension changes, and driving speed. Moving from OEM 18-inch wheels to 20-inch wheels typically increases rolling resistance by about 8 to 15%, which often translates to roughly a 5 to 10% reduction in EPA range on highway driving cycles for most Tesla models.
Tire choice can have an even bigger impact. Summer performance tires can reduce range by around 10 to 15% compared to OEM all-season tires, and winter tires may reduce range by 15 to 25% due to higher rolling resistance plus colder temperatures and winter driving conditions. When you combine larger wheels with high-performance tires, total range loss can reach 20 to 25%. For a vehicle rated at 300 miles EPA, that can mean roughly 60 to 75 miles less range.
To reduce the hit while still running wider wheel and tire setups, prioritize low rolling resistance tires. Look for models marketed as LRRC (low rolling resistance), including options from Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental, since these can meaningfully reduce the efficiency penalty.
Wheel weight matters too. Added unsprung weight increases the energy required for acceleration and can add load to the suspension and brakes. Lighter forged wheels help compared to heavier cast wheels, and the weight savings from forged wheels can often recover about 2 to 4% of the range loss from upsizing.
Wheel design can also affect aerodynamics. Designs with a lot of exposed face area, deep profiles, or exposed hardware can add drag compared to more aero-optimized shapes, sometimes contributing an additional 3 to 5% efficiency penalty.
In winter climates, wider winter tires on larger wheels can still be worth it for safety, since improved traction and control may outweigh the efficiency trade-off. The best approach is to estimate your likely range impact before buying so you can choose the wheel size and tire compound that match your priorities for handling, appearance, efficiency, and seasonal driving.
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INSTALLATION guide
For the do it yourselfer or trained mechanic, our in-depth installation guides provide step by step detailed instructions on fitting your Tesla with Unplugged Performance Parts.
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Aerodynamics
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Custom Orders & Pre-Orders
General questions
Installation questions
Ordering & Payment
Other / Miscellaneous
WARRANTY QUESTIONS
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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
RATED 4.97
(305 REVIEWS)
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With real reviews from real customers, shop UP products for your Tesla Model S, 3, X, Y and Cybertruck with confidence. Leave reviews and earn up to 2000 UP Rewards points each, redeemable towards exclusive UP Products.
What a difference this sway bar made to my Model S Plaid. This helps correct the body roll the car has from the factory. I have much more confidence taking turns at a higher speed, and freeway on-ramps have become extremely fun. I would highly recommend upgrading your sway bar in the Model S!
D. H.
September 08, 2022
Best thing I’ve done to my Model 3- by far!
Transformed the whole car. Looks better, rides better and handles so much better. Being able to just damping is awesome and super easy. Got these coilovers on in April and immediately drove it on a 4500 mile road trip and noticed the difference right...
zackfeldstein9
September 23, 2022
Got these with my order of Moderate Springs and Street/Track Sway-bars and they helped reduced the offset tension of lowering the car. Great product and thank you Blake (from customer service) for answering my questions. Unplugged has been a great company to order from, top notch for sure.
850arrrsaylikepirate
December 19, 2022
Great product. The lines are professionally made, the brackets lined up perfect to the factory spots.. Straight forward install for the basic mechanic. Pedal felt more consistent afterwards..
After installing the lines.. The brake bleed procedure via Tesla is as follows: Brake bleeder kit set...
Robert M.
October 10, 2022
I always hated how my Model Y would sway side to side at high speed on the highway when the road conditions were poor, even with the coil overs I wanted a little more stiffness and this fixed the problem, now it feels more like a Porsche/BMW M.
Jorge (.
August 23, 2022
I have my model 3 performance and love it and now after adding these coil overs, can’t comprehend why these aren’t stock for tesla. These coil overs are amazing automagically felt like the car was on a cloud, handles great, and very smooth. Noise is reduced and can not believe I took this long...
jesus.ruiz.2389
February 02, 2023
Coupled with the FUCAs, the rear arms really help do a proper alignment. Definitely get these if you want to get a perfect alignment for your car, and better than OEM. I put -2 camber in the rear for my track day yesterday and achieved phenomenal handling in the corners. I also tried it out in drift...
Sof
October 18, 2022
Tesla Model Y Luxury Suspension Kit
RATED 4.0
Good retrofit for a known problem w early Model Y's. Delivery of the parts was very delayed taking nearly three months after order. The installation experience was fine and seemed to be professionally done, however two retention clips on the aeroshield were missing after installation and were...
gabushman
August 01, 2025
Perfect companion product for the luxury suspension kit. An absolute must have for those who modify the springs of their vehicle.
bluetrevian
March 20, 2024
Great complement to my Model Y's coil overs and sway bar set up. Significant handling improvements overall. Best of all, these camber arms give me the peace of mind of not worrying about uneven tire wear after dropping my ride height 1 inch. Car looks and feels great on the road.
James_M
September 05, 2022
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Unplugged Performance is the world leader in premium performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles. With our USA-made line of stylish and high-performance parts, our sole focus is on holistic development and improvement of all Tesla cars.
Unplugged Performance was founded and incubated by the team behind the world-renowned automotive customizer Bulletproof Automotive. Unplugged Performance is the world's leading company focused on the customization and sports performance of Tesla Motors vehicles.
All of our parts are researched and engineered on our own development vehicles with the intention of improving every aspect of the driving and ownership experience. Unplugged produces an exclusive range of premium upgrades to give a new sporty performance identity to Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck.
Improving on perfection is no easy task, and to do so Unplugged products are professionally designed, prototyped, and manufactured in-house in Hawthorne, CA, and in collaboration with the best motorsports suppliers. The supercar performance of Tesla vehicles meets supercar-grade enhancements with Unplugged Performance.
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