Weight of Wheel/Rims vs. MPG

Anything to help out my fellow prius drivers. God I hate that wide look lol

I really just want weight reduction. My local Discount Tire said they'll do it with no issues, which is a relief. I'm hoping for a nice smooth ride still, just a boost in mpg

 

Just went on a little trip to Chicago with my buddy in his C. He has the 2013 as well, but with the 15 pound alloys. He got 56 MPG without even trying I have to put in so much effort just to get over 50. Each wheel on his is 4lbs lighter than mine. I wonder what'll happen when I go from 19lbs to 11lbs. I'm so excited!!!

 

Just an update:

I was supposed to get the wheels today, but the shop called me and said only three wheels were delivered. Now I have to wait for the other one. So I might have to wait another week They're giving me a nice discount now because of it, so I guess I can wait lol

 

Apollo has new wheels!!!!!






Just got them installed a few hours ago.

Here are some of my immediate observations:

1. Acceleration is SIGNIFICANTLY better. I drive in Eco Mode 24/7 and rarely go in the red (I believe it's called Power Mode) and now it seems like I never really have to.

2. Slight bumpier ride - I was expecting this and it's not unbearable. Usual bumps seem a bit more noticeable than with the stock wheels. However, road noise is the same. At least that's what it seems as of right now. Will have to drive more to confirm.

3. EV Mode is more responsive - If I'm driving under 43 and I coast, Apollo immediately goes into EV Mode, which did not happen to me. It would take a couple tries for it to respond.

4. Battery charge lasts longer- This was the biggest reason I got the wheels. Most of my driving is done in residential areas, so coasting and staying in EV Mode is HUGE for my MPG. As I was driving through the neighborhood going 25, I noticed I didn't have to be as cautious with accidentally turning the engine back on. In fact, I had more juice to use. I got up to 35 easily and much quicker.

5. Battery charges quicker - Seems like less unsprung weight allows more power to go into the battery, rather than using it to turn the wheels. Makes a lot of sense to me.


As I've stated earlier in the thread, it's pretty difficult for me to get over 50MPG. Here's my history:




I hover around the higher 40's, which is obviously what the average MPG is for the model. However, here's what I got one on the test drive:




This is pretty unbelievable to me. I did NOT, I repeat, I did NOT drag EV Mode until it went empty. I did not drive around going 5mph. I went on the highway for a bit, went up to 64mph, drove around busier streets at around 45ish, and through residential areas going 20-30mph.

So a 10mpg increase is pretty insane. Since acceleration has improved, it is not necessary for me to turn on the engine to accelerate quicker. I can get up to 15mph in EV Mode while MOVING WITH THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC. That's huge for me.

The efficiency in the battery has helped substantially. Allowing me to coast more is a huge boost in fuel economy as well.

Here's a closeup on the wheel, fitting with the 175/65/R15 tires:





Here's a side angle to show you the "stretch".





I'm going to update this thread more as I get more data. Overall, it appears my hypothesis about the wheels was correct. I'm not going to get too excited yet, but I'm feeling very optimistic.

 

Wow I wouldn't have even noticed if you hadn't pointed it out! I will definitely go back today.

 

You were right. Just weighed them and they were 15.4lbs

 

Another great drive

 

Lots of highway driving. 70mph average on the highway. Still fantastic mileage

 

I definitely agree with less wheel weight increases acceleration. It might be a slight change, but if you've been driving on the same wheels for a few years, then switch to lighter ones, the feel of the ride is very different. The acceleration helps me not get out of EV mode, so the mpg increase has been 15-20%.

My buddies have been tellin me the wheels won't pay for itself in fuel economy, which is fine with me. This was mainly to personalize the car, but a solid increase in mpg is pretty awesome too

 

Just an update:

MPG seems to be sitting in the mid 50's no matter what. The overall drive doesn't seem that much different in terms of comfort, ease of turning, etc. Maybe a bit bumpier, but that's really it. Residential drives get me about 60mpg, mid 50's for the highway. Huge improvement. If you're looking to improve MPG and upgrade the look of your prius, or any car for that matter, definitely get these. I do not regret getting the wheels at all