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.
related FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about Unplugged Performance products, services, and policies.
Can I run a wider tire on UP aftermarket wheels for better grip?
Where can I find the correct tire size for my UP aftermarket wheels?
Do I need different tire sizes if I install Unplugged Performance aftermarket wheels?
What size tires does the Tesla Model S use?
What size tires does the Tesla Model 3 use?
What off-road tires are available for the Tesla Model Y?
What size tires does the Tesla Model Y use?
What size tires does the Tesla Cybertruck use?
Does Unplugged Performance install tires?
How do I know which tires fit my Tesla?
Can you put off-road or all-terrain tires on a Tesla?
What tire brands does Unplugged Performance carry for Tesla?
I’m thinking of upgrading my wheels / tires in addition to springs, is there anything I should know?
What tire size should I pair with a specific wheel size?
Should I go for larger diameter wheels?
Do aftermarket wheels improve performance?
Can I use spacers instead of different wheels?
Do I need hub-centric rings?
What do terms like “bolt pattern,” “offset,” and “backspacing” mean?
Will your Unplugged Performance wheels fit my vehicle?
Square vs staggered: which is better for handling and tire wear?
What is the ideal tire size for a square setup on Model 3?
Do you sell touch up paint?
Will UP Forged Wheels fit over Tesla Performance Brakes?
What is the lug nut torque specification for a Tesla (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck)?
Why does my Tesla show a TPMS fault when parked near other wheels?
What are the advantages of titanium lug nuts for my Tesla?
Can UP Forged Cybertruck Wheels like the UP-03 Beadlock, CYBRHEX, or CYBRSPOKE fit other trucks?
Will UP Forged Wheels like the UP-03, UP-05, or UP-RW Road Warrior fit cars other than Teslas?
Can you remove the Aero Disc Covers from the UP Forged UP-RW Road Warrior Wheels?
What kind of construction do Unplugged Performance wheels have?
I’m thinking of upgrading my wheels / tires in addition to springs, is there anything I should know?
What are wheel spacers? Do I need them?
What is a forged wheel? Are they better than OEM Telsa Wheels?
Do I need conical or ball seat lug nuts?
Will Unplugged Performance Aluminum or Titanium Lug Nuts fit my OEM Wheels?
Will my OEM lug nuts fit UP Forged Wheels?
What is a Beadlock?
What is Bead Knurling?
Can I reuse my OEM TPMS?
What is TPMS?
Do I need to replace my tires when upgrading wheels?
What is the benefit of upgrading to wider wheels?
What is the difference between staggered and square wheel setups?
Do UP Forged Wheels come with a warranty?
What is the proper way to clean aftermarket wheels?
Do I need to get an alignment after installing aftermarket wheels?
Can UP Forged wheels affect my car’s performance?
What is the meaning wheel backspace?
What is the meaning of wheel offset?
How do I know what size wheel will fit my car?
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.
more FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS you might find interesting
Find answers to common questions about Unplugged Performance products, services, and policies.
Aerodynamics
What’s the most cost-effective PPF coverage for an EV that racks up highway miles?
Does adding aero hurt range, and how do you choose ‘high-efficiency’ aero parts?
How do you avoid aero-induced understeer/oversteer when adding a wing or aggressive front aero?
What aero parts are worth it for stability: front lip, splitter, side skirts, diffuser, or wing?
Custom Orders & Pre-Orders
Where has Unplugged Performance raced their Tesla race cars?
How much does it cost to build a full-spec Tesla Model 3 race car with Unplugged Performance?
Does Unplugged Performance offer full race car build and support services for Tesla vehicles?
Does Unplugged Performance offer a Tesla racing program consultation along with specialized products and services?
General questions
Installation questions
Ordering & Payment
Other / Miscellaneous
WARRANTY QUESTIONS
Did you know that 90% of our customers express concerns about their vehicle warranty.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
RATED 4.97
(369 REVIEWS)
LEAVE A REVIEW
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.
My 2019 Performance Model 3 is great, but with the heavy weight of this EV the cornering at high speeds was disappointing. I recently added these Dual Rate Lowering Springs to the UP Sway Bars, and the handling is definitely getting better! The initial spring rate makes the bumps less jarring with...
jim.talbot
December 27, 2022
This is by far the best front fascia out there and its makes the Model 3 look so much better! It gives it a much sportier look and I get comments on it all the time. One of the simplest upgrades that makes a huge difference as far as the look of the car goes. Couldn't be happier with how it looks....
thecliff03
October 16, 2023
I'm currently putting together my custom UP INVINCIBLE® kit from Unplugged Performance with the help of Frank, and the transformation is insane. The lineup includes the HD Front Bumper with the optional 11-inch LED light bar that absolutely lights up the night, the bulletproof Heavy Duty Rear...
CyberRiri
December 04, 2025
Got these coil overs installed on my model 3 performance, and wow what a difference. Not only do they outperform the stock suspension in acceleration and cornering, but they also just ride so much smoother. Highly recommend!
Frank
August 09, 2023
Excellent product! I installed mine as my first step into getting some more performance out of my M3P for Autocross. The front and rear sway bars along with some wider wheels and stickier tires really took my lap times to the next level. I would say, if you drive hard with these sway bars like I...
sean4528
January 03, 2023
These wheels are insanely light and strong! And, they look the bomb! If I didn’t look while picking them up, I would have thought they are carbon fiber!
The same spec as was originally used on the Bionic Phoenix Model 3 race car! I put in my fastest time at Buttonwillow on these wheels running...
Sof
October 03, 2023
superior F&R sway bars
stiff and works great on street setting, cant wait for track setting for superior stiffness with UP end links upgrades
does not roll as much as oem
handles those curves and turns super well
its stable and provides stability
Jeff
April 19, 2026
These springs were the first real mod I’d ever done to my Tesla and I’m so happy with the way they turned out. They really complete the look on my model 3. And I was surprised to find you don’t sacrifice anything in terms of ride comfort by adding them. The only problem is that now that I’ve...
blake.p.aaron
December 21, 2023
I really like this rear sway bar on my 2021 Model S Plaid. On the street it tightens up the car a lot. The car corners "flatter" and "feels" like the car has more grip and inspires confidence.
I installed this in my driveway with the rear up on jack stands. It wasn't hard at all. I opted for...
Jpandes
October 13, 2025
Model S / Model S Plaid (2021+) UP x PFC Large Sweep Brake Rotor and Pad Set (For OEM Caliper)
RATED 5.0
I upgraded to these from my stock rotors and pads primarily for the lighter unsprung weight as I take my car to the drag strip on occasion. There was a noticeable difference in how early I was to stop in the slow-down zone after the 1/4 mile. I also bought their Stainless Steel Brake lines and...
Kyle S.
September 24, 2022
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up to get the latest updates on UP Products, news, galleries and offers!
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.
TESLA MODEL S - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Wheels
- Tesla Model S / Model S Plaid (2021 - 2025)
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S / Plaid Wheels
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S / Plaid Performance Brakes
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S Plaid Performance Suspension
- 2021 - 2025 Model S / Model S Plaid Interior Upgrades
- 2021 - 2026+ Model S Plaid Racing Safety
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S / Plaid Big Brake Kits (BBK)
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid / Model S Drag Racing Upgrades
- 2021 - 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid Coilovers
Tesla Model 3 - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Wheels
Tesla Model X - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades And Wheels
Tesla Model Y - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades & Wheels
Tesla Cybertruck - Premium Aftermarket Upgrades & Wheels
Tesla Wheels & Rims - Forged Aftermarket Wheels for Model S, 3, Y, X & Cybertruck
UP.Forged Wheels
GUARANTEED SAFE CHECKOUT WITH THESE PREMIUM PAYMENT OPTIONS
TESLA, TESLA MOTORS, and all related brands, marks and intellectual property including but not limited to TESLA ROADSTER, TESLA CYBERTRUCK, MODEL S, MODEL 3, MODEL X, MODEL Y, and the "TESLA," "T" logos designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla Motors, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Unplugged Performance has no official relationship with Tesla Motors.
THESE PRODUCTS CAN EXPOSE YOU TO CHEMICALS WHICH ARE KNOWN BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, OR BIRTH DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.P65WARNINGS.CA.GOV
COPYRIGHT © 2026 UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE®. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
THE UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE® MARK AND LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PLEASE REVIEW THE TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY BEFORE USING OUR WEBSITE.
THE UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE® MARK AND LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PLEASE REVIEW THE TERMS & CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY BEFORE USING OUR WEBSITE.