Founded on July 1, 2003, in Texas, Tesla Motors Inc. was one of the pioneers in revolutionizing the Electric Vehicle (EV) market. Today, the company, known simply as Tesla Inc., has become the world’s most valuable automobile manufacturer, thanks to its innovative approach towards design, engineering, and technology.
The brand has become a household name due to its ability to set new benchmarks not only in the EV industry but also in the world of wheels. Tesla has always been a leader in wheel design, setting new standards for the automotive industry.
Tesla’s wheels are not only stylish but high performers, built to meet the demands of electric vehicles. Tesla offers a range of wheel options for its EVs, including the 19-inch and 20-inch Slipstream Wheels, the 21-inch and 22-inch Turbine Wheels, the 21-inch Arachnid Wheels, and the 20-inch Cyclone Wheels. Each rim has its unique design, construction, and performance benefits.
One of the reasons Tesla rims stand out from other wheels in the automotive industry is their ability to enhance the performance of electric vehicles. Tesla rims are known for their lightweight construction. By using high-quality materials such as forged aluminum, the brand’s wheels are designed to reduce unsprung weight, which improves the vehicle’s handling and stability. Additionally, the EV rims are engineered to enhance the car’s aerodynamics, ultimately improving the car’s overall range and performance.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at the different types of Tesla wheels and explore why they are special.
Aero wheels:
Tesla’s Aero Wheels are perhaps the most recognizable wheels that the brand offers. They are designed to improve the aerodynamics of the car, which in turn increases the range of the vehicle. The design is inspired by turbines and includes aero covers that can be easily removed when needed. Aero wheels are made of aluminum and come standard with Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y. The aero covers on the wheels can also help reduce wind noise while driving, making for a quieter and more enjoyable ride.
Specialty about Aero wheels:
- The aero covers on the Aero wheels are designed to reduce drag and improve the car’s aerodynamics, which in turn increases the range of the vehicle. This means that you can travel further on a single charge.
- The improved aerodynamics of the car also means that it requires less energy to move through the air, resulting in improved efficiency.
- The streamlined design of the Aero wheels allows for better airflow over the car, which can help improve acceleration and overall performance.
Sport wheels or Stiletto:
Tesla’s Sport Wheels, also known as Stiletto, are designed for a more aggressive and sporty look. They are available in 19-inch and 20-inch sizes and come in two different finishes, silver and grey. They are forged from lightweight aluminum and are designed to be both durable and high-performance. The Sport wheels are available as an optional upgrade for the Model 3 and Model Y, and come standard on the Model S and Model X Performance models. They are also available as a winter tire and wheel package.
Furthermore, the sleek and sporty design of the Sport wheels gives a distinct and attractive look to the car, making it stand out on the road. These EV rims are also designed with a wider tire contact patch, which provides better grip and traction, allowing the driver to have more control over the car.
Specialty about Sport wheels:
- The larger size of the Sport wheels means that they provide improved handling and stability, particularly when driving at high speeds or cornering.
- The lightweight aluminum construction of the Sport wheels means that they improve the car’s acceleration and overall performance.
- The unique spoke design of the Sport wheels is both eye-catching and functional. The angled spokes are designed to optimize airflow to the brakes, helping to keep them cool and preventing brake fade.
Slipstream wheels:
Tesla’s Slipstream Wheels are a perfect blend of style and efficiency. Initially launched in early 2016, these Tesla wheels replaced the previous 19” split-spoke wheel and became the standard option for all Model S vehicles. Slipstream wheels are available in 19-inch and 20-inch sizes with two different finishes, silver and black, giving customers the option to choose their preferred style. The design of these wheels is inspired by wind turbines, featuring a sleek and turbine-like look that enhances the car’s aerodynamics.
The Slipstream Wheels’ turbine-inspired design not only enhances the aesthetics of the car but also improves its performance. Tesla also offers a range of tire options with the Slipstream Wheels, including all-season, performance, and winter tires, allowing customers to choose the perfect setup for their driving needs.
Specialty about Slipstream wheels:
- The aerodynamic design of the Slipstream Wheels reduces drag and improves the car’s range. It also means that the EV requires less energy to move through the air, resulting in improved efficiency.
- The Slipstream wheels have a unique rim design that protects the wheel from scratches and damage, making them a practical choice for everyday use.
- The Slipstream Wheels also offer a comfortable ride due to their optimized design, reducing road noise and vibrations.
Turbine wheels:
Tesla’s Turbine wheels are inspired by the original Tesla Roadster’s wheels and are incredibly popular among Tesla owners. These Tesla rims come in 21-inch and 22-inch sizes and two finishes, silver and black. The wheels are forged from lightweight aluminum, making them both durable and high-performing. The turbine-like design improves the car’s aerodynamics and enhances its overall look.
The 21” Turbine wheels are available as an upgrade for all “Performance” Model S vehicles and come in either a silver or metallic Grey finish. They are arguably the most well-known wheel option for the Tesla Model S, offering an excellent combination of style and performance. While Tesla typically offers a “staggered” configuration with a wider rear wheel/tire, in 2015, they briefly offered a “square” configuration with all four wheels utilizing the 21×8.5” wheel before returning to the original staggered offering.
Specialty about Turbine wheels:
- The lightweight aluminum construction of the Turbine Wheels means that they improve the car’s acceleration.
- The aerodynamic design of the Wheels reduces drag and improves the car’s range
- The wheels’ aerodynamic design minimizes wind resistance, ultimately enhancing the car’s performance.
Reasons behind Tesla wheels’ popularity
Apart from the different types of wheels, there are a few other reasons why you should choose Tesla wheels for your electric vehicle.
- Better for the environment: As electric vehicles are designed to be more environmentally friendly, Tesla wheels are also designed with sustainability in mind. The lightweight aluminum construction of the wheels means that they require less energy to move, which in turn reduces the carbon footprint of your vehicle. Additionally, Tesla’s manufacturing process uses renewable energy sources, which further reduces the environmental impact of their wheels.
- Improved safety: Tesla wheels are designed to be both durable and high-performance, which improves the safety of your vehicle. As already mentioned, the lightweight construction reduces the unsprung weight of your car. Additionally, the improved aerodynamics of the wheels reduce drag too.
- Advanced manufacturing techniques: Tesla’s wheels are made using advanced manufacturing techniques, which ensures their quality and performance. Tesla uses computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA) to design their wheels, which allows them to optimize their performance and reduce their weight. Additionally, Tesla uses automated production processes to ensure consistent quality across all their wheels.
- Easy to customize: Tesla wheels are easy to customize and allow you to personalize your vehicle to your own taste. Tesla offers a range of different finishes and sizes, which allows you to choose the perfect wheel design for your car. Additionally, Tesla wheels are designed to be easily removable, which makes it easy to switch between different wheel designs.
- Reduced maintenance costs: Tesla wheels are designed to be low-maintenance, which helps to reduce the overall maintenance costs of your vehicle. The lightweight aluminum construction of the wheels means that they are less prone to damage from potholes and other road hazards, which helps to reduce the frequency of wheel repairs or replacements. Additionally, the improved aerodynamics of Tesla rims is likely to reduce the wear and tear on your tires, which means that you might need to replace them less frequently.
- Improved performance in extreme conditions: Tesla offers a range of different tires for their wheels, including winter tires that are specifically designed to improve performance in extreme winter conditions. These tires have a unique tread pattern that provides better traction on snow and ice, which improves handling and safety when driving in snowy or icy conditions. Additionally, Tesla wheels are designed to be resistant to corrosion, which makes them ideal for use in areas with high levels of salt or other corrosive materials used on the roads in winter.
What makes Tesla wheels special?
When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), wheels and tires play a crucial role in their overall performance. EV automakers offer different sets of wheels and tires, each designed to enhance the car’s range or performance and to overcome some of the unique challenges posed by all-electric vehicles.
One major difference between EVs and traditional cars is the lack of a combustion engine, which makes all-electric cars much quieter than their gasoline counterparts. However, traditional tires and wheels can be noisier due to the increased torque generated by EVs. To address this issue, EVs require specially designed tires and wheels that are quieter and more suitable for the higher torque generated by electric motors.
Another important factor to consider when it comes to EV rims is their ability to handle the added weight of the battery pack. The battery pack in an EV can weigh significantly more than a fully loaded gas tank in a traditional car, making it crucial to modify tires to handle this extra weight.
EV tires must also perform all of the same safety functions as traditional tires, including rapid braking, driving on wet and dry roads, and mileage wear. In addition, EVs must overcome the added challenges posed by drag and resistance, which can significantly impact the car’s range. As a result, EVs are exhaustively tested to reduce their aerodynamic drag, and special low-resistance tires and aerodynamic wheels are used to improve range and reduce noise.
Tesla, one of the pioneers of the EV market, understands the importance of tires and wheels in enhancing the performance and efficiency of electric cars. Tesla uses specially designed Michelin tires that offer superior grip and handling, while also reducing road noise. In addition, Tesla has developed its in-house technology for wheels, called Aero wheels, which are designed to further enhance the aerodynamics of their EVs. The aero wheels are available in different designs, each inspired by the blades of a turbine, which helps to reduce drag and improve the car’s range.
Finally
Those who own high-end Tesla cars are often interested in aftermarket Tesla wheels to enhance their vehicle’s style. AudioCityUSA, located in California’s Santa Fe Springs, is a well-known retailer of a wide range of branded wheels and tires for all types of vehicles in the United States. With advancements in the automotive industry, AudioCityUSA has included a variety of cutting-edge Tesla rims from various manufacturers on their website. From TSW Alloys to Ferrada to Ohm and Vossen Wheels, AudioCityUSA offers a broad selection of wheels and tires to choose from, including staggered wheels for Tesla’s Model 3, Model S, and Roadster. So if you are keen on owning a Tesla rim, head over to AudioCityUSA.
In conclusion, Tesla wheels are designed to be both stylish and functional, and offer a range of benefits that make them the perfect choice for electric vehicles. From their lightweight construction to their advanced manufacturing techniques, Tesla wheels are designed with sustainability, safety, and performance in mind. Each wheel design is unique and provides its own set of benefits, from the sporty look of the Sport Wheels to the improved range of the Aero and Slipstream Wheels. But then, you can always customize your Tesla rims according to your taste and needs.
