Cybertruck Aerodynamics / Drag Coefficient Cd analysis by computational fluid dynamics expert

[PATEL]

Computational fluid dynamics expert and CEO of AirShaper (software for computational fluid dynamics) uses the software to analyze the production Cybertruck's aerodynamics and drag coefficient.

Sponsored

 

[COLAB]

Thank you very much for this exercise! Cool, same for Rivian or Ford Lightning, what do you think about comparing these vehicles too please sir??

 

[Gigahorse]

Wow very cool, really helps explain the front air deflector and rear diaper. Well broken down and easy to understand for those of us not well versed in aerodynamics.

 

[JBee]

This is an older video that has been posted before, just after the delivery event, but worth watching if you haven't seen it yet.

 

[Trekboy]

Very interesting. It's amazing how very small changes can have such an impact on overall efficiency. Though I'm not a big fan aesthetically, I can definitely see the value of wheel covers.

 

[Cybergirl]

I wonder what the effect on the Cd will be with the removal of the side mirrors?

 

[Jow]

I wonder what the effect on the Cd will be with the removal of the side mirrors?

i'd estimate about 2-5%

 

[CyberTruckeeTheOne]

Very interesting. It's amazing how very small changes can have such an impact on overall efficiency. Though I'm not a big fan aesthetically, I can definitely see the value of wheel covers.

Such I wonder how much efficiency and added range if there is an after-market wheel-well cover for highways and freeways and removable for off road driving.

 

[SentinelOne]

Very interesting. It's amazing how very small changes can have such an impact on overall efficiency. Though I'm not a big fan aesthetically, I can definitely see the value of wheel covers.

That's why it's so funny to see the UnPlugged Performance CT accessories - don't get me wrong I'll get some of them (Sway Bar Disconnect, maybe brakes and rock sliders, etc)...but doing the lift kit, rims/tires that are wider/fender flares, bumpers, etc and an already sporty range is going to plummet....

 

[Woodrick]

Such I wonder how much efficiency and added range if there is an after-market wheel-well cover for highways and freeways and removable for off road driving.

You have to remember that there are always trade-offs with efficiency and reality. If you cut off the flow over the wheels, you tend to also cut off the flow into the wheels, which is important for cooling the brakes.

Tesla tends to mitigate this with the wheel covers.

The Model 3 had wheel covers when introduced and they were described as anything from nice looking to hideous, but you could always remove them. But when removed, range suffered by a couple %.

But then people realized that while percents add up and are important, quite often a few percent don't matter to range. Sure, range changes, it's just an example of how range isn't that big of deal in real life.

It's all tradeoffs.

 

[Gigahorse]

i'd estimate about 2-5%

Wow if ripping those mirrors off gets 5% efficiency I am yanking them, that could be 10+ miles of extra range when the cameras seem to do just fine.

 

[Woodrick]

Wow if ripping those mirrors off gets 5% efficiency I am yanking them, that could be 10+ miles of extra range when the cameras seem to do just fine.

You still don't get it.

 

[ModelC]

You still don't get it.

Phenomenal explanation. Thanks for your input.

 

[Woodrick]

Phenomenal explanation. Thanks for your input.

@Gigahorse doesn't listen, so I've given up trying to explain things to him.

The numbers that I just saw posted for the mirrors are very similar to those of the wheel covers on the Model 3 (and others). They are also less than that of many other tires used as options by other drivers.
Why do I mention it, because most drivers really don't care about those range differences. Only a daily basis, it means that you vehicle will stop charging a few minutes different. On a trip, 10 miles of range isn't going to make much difference either.

It's going to similar to the difference between the All-Weathers and the All-Terrain tires. You'll probably see some new Tesla drivers ripping off the ATs as soon as possible to get their range increased. But those who have driven Teslas will just live with them. 20 miles range just doesn't make a difference.

 

[Knucklehead]

@Gigahorse doesn't . 20 miles range just doesn't make a difference.

It does to me. I probably wouldn't remove the mirrors, but I would look to put low rolling resistance all seasons on.

Everyone has their priorities.

Sponsored