The Elect marking on Pirelli’s tires indicates several distinct advantages. First, the tire has low rolling resistance, which increases driving range and reduces energy consumption, making stops at electric vehicle chargers less frequent. When coupled with a high-range vehicle, like the Lucid Air Dream Edition or Tesla Model S All-Wheel Drive, the Pirelli Elect series decreases road contact, making the vehicles more efficient. When non-Elect P Zero All Season Plus tires have been fitted on vehicles, the Pirelli product has shown a reduction of rolling resistance by 15 percent, translating to direct improvement of the EV battery life cycle.

One of the most important and distinct advantages is also the reduction of road noise, creating a more peaceful a quiet experience in the EV’s cabin. In electric vehicles, road noise is more noticeable as the lack of a loud combustion engine, which drowns out these noises in a gas-powered car, provides more noise within the cabin. This was a main focus of Tesla for several years, as many consumers had stated road noise had gone to nearly intolerable levels. Tesla eventually worked with tire manufacturers for insulated rubber and made changes with its build processes to alleviate some of the cabin noise complaints.

Road noise won’t be a concern for those who utilize the Pirelli All Season Plus, as it features the company’s PNCS, or “Pirelli Noise Cancelling System.” Pirelli developed this technology to reduce interior noise thanks to a sound-absorbing material applied to the inside of the circumferential wall. It offers improved driving comfort, which is another feature appreciated by EV drivers. Tires equipped with PNCS have shown a 5 percent reduction in cabin noise versus the leading OEM competitor.

Pirelli’s new All Season Plus replacement tire, especially for EVs! (Credit: Pirelli)

Another incredible advantage of Pirelli’s Elect tires is the immediate grip it provides for EVs, helping support the notoriously fast acceleration of electric powertrains. Along with the traction control and launch grip advantages, Pirelli’s tires support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle, the company said.

Pirelli continues to develop new tires and technology for EVs, especially as the automotive industry continues to show a massive transition to more sustainable powertrains. Pirelli was the first tire manufacturer to homologate a dedicated technology for EVs. It also has the highest number of homologations of tires for electric vehicles.

“Developing a tire specifically for electric vehicles requires a number of considerations you do not encounter when working with internal combustion engines,” Ian Coke, Chief Technical Officer at Pirelli North America, said. “Electric vehicles are heavier, have more powerful and faster acceleration off the line, and require lower rolling resistance.”

Pirelli developed a new compound formulation that increases abrasion resistance of the tire, which compensates for the high torque and increased weight, which EVs both have. The tire is built to offer “long-lasting performance in every condition,” the company said.

The new P Zero All Season Plus Elect will fit some of the most popular EV high-performance models and will be available from 18 to 20 inches. In addition to the clear EV vehicle benefits, the new P Zero All Season Plus Elect comes with a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

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The new performance package is being offered for the Tesla Model 3 Performance variant at $5,500 and includes stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are popular among track junkies, high-performance brake pads and racing brake fluid.

“Optimize the track performance of your Performance Upgrade Model 3. Track Package is a complete hardware package designed to give you maximum cornering force, braking performance and high-speed stability for the best lap times,” reads the description on Tesla’s online Shop for the upgrade.

Tesla Model 3 Track Package Includes:

• 4 x 20″ X 9″ Zero-G Performance wheels
• 4 x Tesla logo center caps
• 20 x Lug nut covers
• 4 x 245/35ZR20 XL Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
• 4 x tire pressure sensors
• 1 x front and rear high-performance brake pads
• 1 x track-focused brake fluid

Included in the Model 3 track package are a set of 20-inch diameter “Zero-G Performance Wheels” in a “square set up”, whereby all four wheels and tires are of equal size. The upgraded Zero-G wheels in a 20″ x 9″ set up are 0.5 inches wider than the factory 20″ x 8.5″ Model 3 Sport Wheels. Combined with wider and stickier rubber from the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, drivers are able to negotiate more aggressive cornering speeds in their Model 3 Performance as well as higher entry speeds.

While Tesla’s single-pedal driving capability through regenerative braking means that a driver rarely needs to use the brakes, the demands of track driving at high speeds into turns on a race circuit require the heavy use of brakes, often leading to brake fade due to higher brake temperatures.

Tesla’s Model 3 Track Package includes high-performance front and rear brake pads that are designed to withstand more aggressive braking and higher temperatures, paired with Tesla-branded, track-focused brake fluid.

Model 3 Performance owners looking to purchase the $5,500 track package can coordinate shipping and installation with their local Tesla Service Center.

Shipments for the Model 3 Performance Track Pack is expected to begin in April 2020.

H/T @model3owners

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The Maggi Trak Sport 214 snow chain is a unique type of self-adjusting and easy-to-install chain that utilizes four clamps and one fixing point for installation. Rather than wrapping the chains around the inner portion of the tire, the outer wheel side of the drive wheels is used as the single fixing point over complex inner side attachments. Excellent traction and durability in snowy conditions are to be expected from the aftermarket addition. Previously, snow chains were only available for Model 3 with 19″ wheels in a dual motor and rear-wheel drive configuration and were produced by a different manufacturer.

Tesla’s store also notes that the Maggi Trak Sport chains are only approved for Model 3 Performance 20” wheels and Tesla-approved 235/35R20 tires. Additionally, they should only be installed on the rear wheels. For $290, the snow chain package includes a nylon protective bag, one pair of chains, and an installation guide, and delivery is anticipated to take 2-3 weeks.

According to the manufacturer, the self-adjusting nature of the Maggi Trek snow chains ensures a perfect grip between the chain and the tire tread. The gripping unit design has a smaller profile that won’t compromise the minimal space between the outer tire and inner wheel well, resulting in a safe and quiet drive. The Maggi Trak Sport snow chain system is also available for the Model S.

Watch the video below for how to install the Model 3 AWD Maggi trek snow chains, as demonstrated on a Model S:

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Also in true Tesla tradition, the electric car turned out to be a little bit faster than Elon Musk’s initially-announced figures. Musk himself teased improvements in the Model 3 Performance’s power on Twitter before deliveries of the vehicle began, noting that Tesla would probably be able to increase the vehicle’s output by “a little,” and later stating that the electric car could probably do 0-60 mph runs in 3.3 seconds provided that it’s equipped with grippier tires and wider rear wheels.

VBOX Tests of the electric car doing 0-60 mph runs show that the Model 3 Performance can hit Elon Musk’s quoted 3.3 seconds with stock tires and wheels. With a full battery, the Model 3 Performance was even able to hit 60 mph in just 3.18 seconds, far quicker than Tesla’s official estimates.

So what happens now if the Model 3 Performance is fitted with lightweight rims and broader, grippier tires? That question was recently addressed by Tesla owner-enthusiast Erik Strait, better known as the host of YouTube’s DÆrik channel. The YouTube host opted to acquire a set of lightweight, staggered wheels from T-Sportline to see how the vehicle’s acceleration changes depending on the Model 3 Performance’s wheels and tires.

The lightweight rims installed on the vehicle were around 32 pounds lighter than Tesla’s 20″ Sport Wheels for the Model 3 Performance. The rear tires were also 2 inches wider than Tesla’s stock tires, giving the electric sedan a staggered wheel setup.

Some car manufacturers employ staggered wheels for their high-performance models. Chevrolet, for example, adopts this wheel setup for the Corvette. While staggered wheels give vehicles a better stance, the configuration also improves handling and control, as well as traction. There is a reason why cars optimized for high-speed driving such as F-1 racers use staggered wheel setups, after all.

As could be seen in DÆrik’s video, the Model 3 Performance, when fitted with lightweight wheels and staggered tires, can hit 60 mph in just 3.13 seconds — and that’s with the vehicle not being fully charged. With a full battery, there is a good chance that the electric car could get even better acceleration figures. Ultimately, stickier wheels and wider tires don’t make the Model 3 Performance as quick as a Ludicrous Mode-enabled Model S P100D, which goes from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds, but the electric sedan is still plenty quick.

Besides, one of the biggest draws of the Model 3 Performance is the fact that its capabilities go beyond straight line acceleration. The electric sedan is the first among Tesla’s lineup that is set to receive a dedicated Track Mode, which optimizes the vehicle for hard driving around racecourses. Elon Musk calls Track Mode the “Expert User Mode” for the car, and if early reviews of the feature are any indication, the electric sedan might very well be the first Tesla that could dominate on the track as well as the Model S P100D dominates on the drag strip.

Watch the Model 3 Performance’s acceleration with a staggered wheel setup in the video below.

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Though sightings of early production Model 3 were believed to have 20-inch wheels equipped, to date, the only confirmed 20-inch wheel seen mounted on the car was on the day of the vehicle’s unveiling in March 2016. A red Model 3 prototype took center stage as Musk debuted Tesla’s affordable mass market electric sedan to the world. The vehicle featured a unique wheel design that appeared to be part turbine style and part aero wheel, as seen in a U.S. Design Patent filed by the company.

Upon closer inspection of the wheel and tire combination on the prototype, one can see that the vehicle was equipped with Michelin tires in the size 235/35/ZR20. This could further validate Tesla’s intention to produce a larger diameter 20-inch wheel for the Model 3, likely for the dual motor and performance variant that’s expected to arrive in the second half of 2018.

Similar to Tesla’s flagship Model S and Model X vehicles, Model 3 in dual motor configuration will also have a Smart Air Suspension option.

Tesla Model 3 devout and host to Ride the Lightning: Unofficial Tesla Podcast, Ryan McCaffrey, was able to connect with Musk over a tweet about the potential of having 20-inch Sport wheels on the Model 3.

“Elon, are 20-inch Sport wheels coming for Model 3? They’ve been spotted on a couple of Tesla-owned Model 3s, and a set was just sold on eBay. Seems imminent, but would love confirmation! 20s fill out the wheel wells on Model 3 so much better than 19s!” asked McCaffrey.

Musk initially replied to the tweet with an “I agree”, only to delete the reply a few hours later.

It’s not clear why Musk would delete the tweet, but one can presume that he didn’t want to cannibalize sales of the existing 19″ Sport Wheel. As a $1,500 upgrade for Model 3 buyers, the price point isn’t by any stretch of the imagination cheap. And being able to up-sell on an item that generally carries a healthy profit margin can only be a good thing for the company.

Tesla is expected to produce a dual motor Model 3 as early as Spring 2018. The company aims to reach volume production of single motor units by the end of the first quarter and produce 5,000 cars per week.

@elonmusk Elon, are 20-inch Sport wheels coming for Model 3? They've been spotted on a couple of Tesla-owned Model 3s, and a set was just sold on eBay. Seems imminent, but would love confirmation! 20s fill out the wheel wells on Model 3 so much better than 19s!

— Ryan McCaffrey (@DMC_Ryan) December 11, 2017

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Tesla says in its description for the $115 Model 3 accessory that they’re approved for use on vehicle’s with the standard wheels and optional 19″ wheels and 235/40R19 tires. Tesla Model 3 is offered in a standard 18″ Aero Wheel that utilizes a hub cap, rumored to provide up to a 10% increase in range, or optional 19″ Sport Wheel for $1,500.

Model 3 factory 18″ Aero Wheel (left) vs. 19″ Sport Wheel (right)

The company also notes that the Pewag Servo RS 77 snow chains for Model 3 are approved for use on the version of the vehicle with rear wheel drive (single motor). Tesla is expected to produce a performance variant of the Model 3 with dual motors in the second half of 2018.

“The Servo RS 77 offers the comfort of stationary mounting and high reliability under all conditions: a snow chain that will especially satisfy frequent drivers. With square links and diagonal pattern, these easy-to-install, self-tensioning, alloy steel chains offer superior traction and a smooth ride.” reads the description on Tesla’s online store for Model 3.

HOW TO: Installing snow chains on a Tesla Model S (VIDEO)

Similar to Tesla’s snow chain system for Model S, the Pewag system is expected to be easier to install than traditional chains because of its self-tensioning design. Standard chains typically require a driver to tug and fit chains perfectly around a tire assembly, before pulling it together for a snug fitment. The installation of a Pewag system, on the other hand, uses a latch and quick-release mechanism that makes for easier installation. Akin to pulling a drawstring for a bag, Model 3 snow chains can be secured by pulling the loose-end of chain through the self-tensioning mechanism.

We’ve embedded a video by Pewag that demonstrates how to install the same Servo brand snow chain being offered for Model 3.

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While we’ve seen plenty of Tesla drag racing videos in the past, this latest video makes a bold statement that leaving a Tesla in factory form is arguably the best thing any owner can do. At least when it comes to performance. The video also validates a previous finding by the folks behind Tesla Racing Channel who quickly realized that their modified Model S with lightweight wheels was no match for a factory Model S P100D.

Though aftermarket tuners appeal to the Tesla owner with the lure of better range and better acceleration when using their light weight wheels or body enhancements, one has to question whether they’ve spent as much engineering hours as Tesla has when it comes to fine tuning airflow around their product. After all, Tesla has been awarded with having a vehicle with one the lowest coefficient of drag on the road today, and known to do extensive wind tunnel testing of their products, in order to maximize vehicle range and performance. This begs the question, is there a reason to modify a Tesla for “performance”, at all?

Check out an in-car view of HPFChris’s impressive record-setting 1/4 mile run.

The post Why modify a Tesla Model S P100D when it can set a 1/4 mile record in factory form? appeared first on TESLARATI.

Finding the right rim protection for your Model S can be a challenge considering the number of options that are available, but do they really get the job done?

I’ve tested a variety of products designed to protect the Model S wheels from “kissing the curb”, and came across Wheel Bands by RimPro-Tec. Many owners within the Tesla community are touting it as a true lifesaver and best wheel protector for the Model S, so naturally I had to give it a try.

Wheel Bands

The Wheel Bands arrive in a flat corrugated shipping box affixed with a fairly large label that clearly identifies the brand.

The excitement of unboxing the product will quickly give way to a feeling of just blasé since there’s really not much inside the box itself. This won’t be an Apple unboxing experience so set aside those expectations before opening your new set of Wheel Bands. Two coiled tracks wrapped together along with a small bag containing a plastic tool and alcohol wet wipes is what awaits you.

Contents:

• 1 x Coil of mounting track (enough for 4 x 22″ wheels)
• 1 x Coil of color insert
• 1 x Application tool (used for pressing the coil insert into the mounting track)
• 2 x Surface prep wipes

But I soon found out that my expectation for something that would be more than just wheel protection was spot on. Akin to a high-end case for your iPhone or Android device – even the fanciest of cases feel uninspiring by itself – the Wheel Band really comes to life when mounted on the Tesla Model S wheel. Simply put, it somehow just looks right.

List price: $99.99

Installation

Having already experienced other wheel protectors in the past, including a review of the “RimBlade”, I was already well-versed with applying the adhesive-backed product onto the circumference of the wheel. But that’s where the similarities end. Unlike the RimBlade which is a soft and pliable compound that feels similar to the rubbery part of your windshield wiper, the Wheel Band is a very solid and rigid plastic track. There’s no question that this thing can take curb abuse and come back for more. It’s what wheel protection should be like; durable, solid and instills confidence that your $1,200 wheel is now outfitted with some extra body armor.

However, the downside with having nearly 8ft (2.4m) of durable and rigid wheel protector track (in a single coil) is the difficulty in which it gets unraveled and spliced together so that it forms a perfect seam where both ends of the track join together.

Wheel protectors that adhere via mounting tape to the wheel’s surface require a perfect seam where the two ends come together. This is usually the point of failure with any type of wheel protector as experienced first hand with our previous test of the RimBlade which had to be replaced twice (not to be mistaken with the Wheel Band). Both times the RimBlade came undone at the seam despite our best efforts to ensure a clean and perfect install.

As for installation of the Wheel Band, it’s easy. Well, somewhat. If you choose to take the DIY’er route by starting the track from one end and circling back to it, that’s simple. But what’s less obvious is that you won’t get a perfect seam because of the rigidity of the hard plastic track which tends to have a natural curl in it. In other words, by the time you make it all the way back around to the other end, the track would have sagged a little making it near impossible to have them butt up against one another perfectly.

Proper installation requires using a “bridge piece” to temporarily hold the starting end in place. Pictured here is what would happen without the bridge.

I won’t go into too much detail on the installation procedure itself but after speaking with Wheel Bands directly, they mentioned that professional installation shops (ie. Tesla-experienced M&N in SoCal) whom are trained on Wheel Bands use a “bridging method”, whereby a short and temporary piece of track is used to prevent the starting end from curling down.

This allows for a perfect seam as seen in the following photos (I decided to re-do the install after learning of the technique):

Only time will tell whether the Wheel Bands continue to stay fixed to the wheel, but my initial impression is that the adhesive backing is much more industrial grade than other products I’ve seen. The compound also has a much larger surface area to attach to since the Wheel Band adheres to the full face of the wheel as opposed to “cupping” the outer rim of the wheel where there’s less “meat” to grab onto. Not only does the Wheel Band mounting location do a better job protecting the wheel from curb rash, since it resides in a position where scrapes are more likely to happen, it’s also much more secure.
Total installation time: 45 minutes

Wheel Bands Unique Differentiator

When I think Tesla Model S curb rash protection, I don’t often think about the aesthetic component to it, however having seen the Wheel Bands on the factory 21″ Tesla turbine wheels, I think it looks absolutely amazing. This is largely due to the fact that I can pick and choose the color of the track + insert that I’m in the mood for, each of which comes in varying colors. I chose to go with a more unique RED track with BLACK insert. Why?

For one, I always thought that the more popular red on red or black track with red insert was just too bold of a look for the elegant Model S. I wanted to try something more subtle and less in-your-face and was able to achieve that by using the Wheel Bands red track with black insert.

From a distance, you can see just a subtle hint of red along with the factory wheels. The black insert covers up a majority of the red track thereby leaving only the outer red portion of the track visible. In fact, this set up actually makes the wheel appear .5″ larger in diameter.

Having the ability to mix and match the insert also allows you to color-match the Wheel Band with your seat stitching.

Aside from being able to swap colors by merely popping out the colored insert, the unique lock and channel design of the Wheel Bands track allows one to easily splice in a new piece should a section get damaged. Go figure. Tesla Model S curb rash protection that actually serves as curb rash protection. Excellent!

Summary

Unlike other wheel protectors on the market, especially those that are being marketed to Tesla owners, I find Wheel Bands to be the most effective in terms of giving the Tesla Model S true curb rash protection. Some wheel protectors clamp directly onto the wheel itself and require complete deflation and removal of the tire. I find this counterproductive since it not only dangerously interferes with the bead of the tire, but you’re essentially marring the wheel by clamping onto it. Other products adhere to the wheel via adhesive tape but are more decorative pieces, due to their soft rubberlike compound, than true rim protection.

At $119, the Wheel Band is priced slightly higher than some competing products, but in my opinion having that peace of mind knowing that it will actually do what it’s supposed to do – provide curb rash protection for your precious Model S wheels and look good while doing so; now, that’s absolutely priceless.

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Also read

• Tesla Model S Wheel Protectors Review
• Tesla Model S Tire Rotation and Tire Tips

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In preparing my Model S for the winter, I also put together a quick Tesla Model S Tire Cheat Sheet which outlines where the jack points reside on the car, recommended tire pressures as well as the torque rating for the lug nuts. The cheat sheet was given to my tire guy which hopefully served as a good reference point.

The installation was simple and quick. The tire place used two heavy duty hand jacks to lift the entire left side of the car, take the tires off, put on the new ones and then repeat on the right side. They used an air wrench to take the nuts off and put them back on before lowering each side.

The air wrench was limited to 100 lbs/ft torque and they hand tightened to the recommend 129 lbs/ft torque after all four wheels were on and the car was back on the ground. DIY’ers can follow along through this great video that describes the entire wheel swap and TPMS reset process.

Driving on Winter Tires

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 winter tires have provided a different type of driving experience all together. The tires feel “squishy” and definitely not as tight on the road as it does with the factory tires – expected. Everything I read about the Nokians indicated that I would expect poor traction for the first few hundred miles (300 miles is a good rule of thumb) so I decided to play it extra safe and avoid any type of quick acceleration and quick turning during the beginning phase. There’s no question that the winter tires were more slippery during the initial “break-in period”, but after surpassing the 300 mile-market point, I started pushing them a bit harder to see how they behave on both wet and dry conditions.

RELATED: How does the Tesla Model S Traction Control system work?

Some Tesla Model S owners have had concerns with tire slippage during acceleration on dry pavement as seen in the video below.

Summary

Although I didn’t experience tire slippage during hard acceleration and quick deceleration on the Nokians, extra caution still needs to be had when driving your Tesla on winter tires especially when there’s no snow left on the ground, either because it got cleared or melted away.

Overall I’ve been happy with the new Nokian winter tires and I love the look of my new TST wheels (my dedicated winter wheels) . I’m looking forward to driving the Model S once there’s more snow, ice and slush on the ground. This is where the Nokian winter tires should really begin to shine, but more importantly carry me through a harsh New England winter in one piece.

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