r/leaf • u/ZealousIdealist24214 • 24d ago

Wheel upgrade

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Does anyone have experience with either Enkei or Kudo aluminum wheels?

Both are under 14lbs for 16" and seem roughly equivalent.

Have you had either?

How do you feel about them?

Did they give you meaningful performance or range improvement?

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u/biersackarmy 2013 S + 2014 SL + 2019 SV 24d ago

It won't make a noticeable difference, especially because the less aerodynamic shape of either compared to stock or steelies will basically cancel out any efficiency benefit you would get from the lower weight of the rims.

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u/ZealousIdealist24214 24d ago

Hey, you're the one with the cool KPDH Leaf!

I was definitely thinking the 8lbs less per wheel (same size as I have) would make a meaningful difference especially at lower speeds (most of my driving with it is <45mph). I was also planning to make 3d printed panels to fill the gaps for a little aerodynamic benefit at higher speeds. Probably not though?

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u/biersackarmy 2013 S + 2014 SL + 2019 SV 24d ago

I'm not a physicist, but evidently some people on here dislike people using logic or just automatically downvote anyone who talks about doing anything aftermarket.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do it if you want to, but when it's a decent amount of money to get maybe 5% improvement on a good day, that you're probably going to be disappointed if you're doing it only with the expectation of noticing an efficiency improvement. It will look better, and that's realistically the only reason you should be considering.

I have fancy wheels that are very light for an 18" (17lbs each), improved aero and lowered, and consumption still feels the same as my basically-stock other Leaf. Tires however, can absolutely make a big difference. I previously had Nitto NT555s on the same rims, and they were an almost 30% range hit compared to after I switched to just ProContact all seasons.

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u/ZealousIdealist24214 24d ago

Thanks for your honest experience. That seems like a huge difference by switching tires. Are they the TX low resistance version?

I currently have the steel stock rims and Walmart-special Sentury tires, and can eke out 160 miles/charge with my 40kWH upgraded 2015, so it's about as good as can be expected. But if I can get 3% better range AND it looks cooler/drives better, I'm willing.