Tire Tech: How does the BMW i3 handle so well on such narrow tires? - CNET "The EP500's larger diameter and circumference mean that this tire has a slightly larger contact patch when measured front to rear. This makes up for the compromised width and means that when it's time to turn, there's still enough contact patch to provide adequate grip. On the road, the electric Bimmer's seat-of-the-pants performance felt as good as any of its wider-wheeled competition." Comments?
last time i checked, bikes handled very well with skinner tires. i'm thinking we're going back to bike tires on cars.
Steering ratio plays a role too. This more in-depth review by cnet states that they really had to pay attention to keep the car in the lanes. 2014 BMW i3 with range extender review - CNET
The battery is located very low in the i3. This creates a low center of gravity. Which improves handling. I looked at the i3 until I read about its tendency to wander around. Its not very BMW like stability is a BIG turn-off. Also the CARB restrictions make the Range Extender ICE option a joke. People report not being able to climb hills after 60 to 70 miles on battery only use. You have to be less than 25% charge before the Range Extender will kick in.
The larger diameter reduces: tread flex angle - a major source of rolling drag, less flex angle from a larger diameter reduces hysteresis loss slower rotation - the friction torque remains the same but the energy loss is proportional to distance traveled, the rotations reduced profile drag - a narrower tire has less profile reducing the aerodynamic drag Bob Wilson
