Since the arrival of electric cars on the market, you have probably noticed that almost all of them have a distinctive design. The rims, for example, are often full.
The electric cars and the design, it is still a subject quite discussed in the editorial staff. Usually we love it or hate it. If a few brands save the day, many models are still subject to debate …
A design here divided
Since the massive arrival of electric vehicles in our concessions, it would seem that the builders find it difficult to agree on a design that is truly unanimous. Often there are two schools. Either the models are modeled on a thermal version pre-existing, like the Peugeot e-208 or the BMW i4 for example, either the manufacturers start from a blank sheet and innovate. We immediately think of Tesla, or to the family of IDs at Volkswagen to use a more “conventional” manufacturer.
In the second case, designers must comply with constraints inherent in electric vehicles and integrate them into the body of the car. At the level of grille for example, exit the open grids to cool the engine, but instead place a completely smooth front face. Aesthetically, this takes away a fairly important distinguishing element between makes and models of vehicles.
Electric vehicles also seek to be as efficient as possible, autonomy obligatory. In fact, current battery technologies and the cost of manufacturing them are not yet sufficiently advanced to match the supply available in thermal or hybrid. Thus, manufacturers seek the least possible optimization, and this requires a design worked at the level of aerodynamics !
In search of the best Cx
When we look at the design of electric vehicles, a few elements come up quite systematically: fluid, smooth and rounded shapes, and few air inlets. Behind these choices, it is always the search for the best drag coefficient (Cx) which is at work: with optimized aerodynamics, the car’s fuel consumption improves and range increases de facto.
And if this is valid for the body parts, it is also the case for the rims. Indeed, a careful eye will have noticed that many models of electric vehicles have “solid” rims or almost full, unlike thermal vehicles with often lighter rims displaying visible discs and brake calipers.
With this “full” rim design, this directly promotes aerodynamic flows and therefore electrical consumption. Although the gains are not enormous, the manufacturers understood that it was still possible to glean from the Cx by correcting some details… and the choices made on the rims are part of it! Now you know…
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