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
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Should I go for larger diameter wheels?
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Do you sell touch up paint?
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Can UP Forged Cybertruck Wheels like the UP-03 Beadlock, CYBRHEX, or CYBRSPOKE fit other trucks?
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What kind of construction do Unplugged Performance wheels have?
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INSTALLATION guide
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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
(363 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.
Great for body roll... but the "clunk" noise from minor bumps needs to be addressed.
meeoch
April 09, 2026
We are loving our new UP Luxury Coilovers on our 2021 Model Y! The improvement is noticeable at level 8, the car handles bumps much more smoothly, and the handling seems to have improved as well.
I worked primarily with Kirk and he was great. Very approachable and easy to talk to. He talked...
ejoshuahill
June 09, 2023
My 2024 performance already has coilovers and every camber, trailing and traction arm you can buy front and rear and the compression rod bearing but still wasn't happy with bodyroll, after I put these on the stiffest setting it helped a lot and still very smooth on the street nothing to crazy I'd...
Steve m.
October 25, 2025
I got the FUCAs installed on my 2018 Performance Model 3 and wished I hadn’t waited so long to do it! Now I can do proper alignments with camber on the front, not possible to do with the stock control arms. You can also put custom wheel sizes with super wide tires on the front without worrying...
Sof
October 18, 2022
The Air suspension upgrade kit works well on my refreshed Raven Model X with the upgraded Air Suspension kit. The suspension setting on Low not only improves the look but also benefits from higher efficiency with the advantage of location based auto raise function....
f1dinesh
August 15, 2023
Such an underrated improvement to my car, reducing unsprung weight of each wheel rotating at speed, improves steering, cornering performance and very aesthetically pleasing! It's incredible how much lighter they are from the stock lug nuts, which feel like heavy weights after handling these titanium...
Sof
October 19, 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
Tesla Model Y Alcantara Headliner Kit
RATED 5.0
Finally!!!! Been waiting on UP to both have a decent Black Friday sale and to have this item on it and whatdoyaknow…..HALF OFF! I wish it was all gray everywhere, but I’ll do the touch up myself and get it 100% how I need it!!!
Montage Ø.
November 07, 2025
After lowering my Model 3 on coilovers I was having all kinds of clunking noises come from the front sway bars links. Initially, I purchased a different brand of adjustable links and they clunked no matter what I did (shortening, lengthening, removal and re-torqued them countless times), so I...
dustinalderfer86
May 31, 2023
These wheels deliver. I've been looking for wheels that look good and can maintain efficiency. These wheels hit both marks and have the added bonus of durability.
Cory O.
September 30, 2025
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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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