What exactly does the Platinum have that makes it get less range? Just the wheels?

[mgmessner89]

Recently sidegraded/upgraded from a 2023 311a XLT to a Platinum. I live in Phoenix AZ and have dealt with 2 summers in the XLT. The 110 plus days can definitely have a hit on range I imagine due to the cooling

I recently got into a 2023 Platinum and have noticed this summer the range is definitely worse. Now my power provider is pennies on the dollar in the long run of charging a car so I really don’t care but I’m curious…is it just the wheel setup? I know the Plat has Max Tow which introduces an additional cooling loop. Is there really that much extra tech on board that causes estimated 20 miles less range and less towing capacity.

Or is it the propulsion noises that causes this, too much power to handle? /s

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[Shmoe]

It's the wheel size. The 22" are what makes the difference vs the 18"/20".

 

[Charge_Rob]

Recently sidegraded/upgraded from a 2023 311a XLT to a Platinum. I live in Phoenix AZ and have dealt with 2 summers in the XLT. The 110 plus days can definitely have a hit on range I imagine due to the cooling

I recently got into a 2023 Platinum and have noticed this summer the range is definitely worse. Now my power provider is pennies on the dollar in the long run of charging a car so I really don’t care but I’m curious…is it just the wheel setup? I know the Plat has Max Tow which introduces an additional cooling loop. Is there really that much extra tech on board that causes estimated 20 miles less range and less towing capacity.

Or is it the propulsion noises that causes this, too much power to handle? /s

Wheels are a huge contributor to range - the Platinum weighs more than other trims which also hurts range, but the 22" wheels are by far the largest contributor.

 

[djryan13]

How much loss difference?

 

[Dan C]

If it is the wheels and weight, why doesn't the pro get more than the lariat.

 

[Shmoe]

If it is the wheels and weight, why doesn't the pro get more than the lariat.

Because it’s not a linear loss as the wheel size decreases. iirc it’s explained in large part due to the rpm’s a larger tire will do vs a smaller creating a built in inefficiency.

 

[chl]

FWIW...

AI says about 2023 trim variations:

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Wheel size:
Breakdown by Trim:
Pro & XLT (Standard Range): Equipped with 18-inch machined/alloy wheels (paired with 275/65R18 tires).
XLT (Extended Range) & Lariat: Standardizes up to 20-inch alloy wheels (paired with 275/60R20 tires)
Platinum: Features the largest 22-inch bright machined/alloy wheels (paired with 275/50R22 tires)
-----
Impact on the Vehicle:

Efficiency & Range: The larger 22-inch wheels on the Platinum are heavier and feature a wider, less aerodynamic profile compared to the 18-inch and 20-inch setups. This contributes to the Platinum's slightly lower EPA-estimated range (300 miles) compared to extended-range XLT and Lariat models (320 miles)

Ride Quality: The 18-inch and 20-inch wheels leave more room for tire sidewall, which provides better cushioning and forgiveness over harsh, bumpy roads. The 22-inch wheels, while visually striking, offer a stiffer, firmer ride.

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Weight Breakdown by Trim:
Pro & XLT (Standard Range): ~6,015 lbs
XLT (Extended Range): ~6,361 lbs
Lariat (Standard Range): ~6,170 lbs
Lariat & Platinum (Extended Range): ~6,590 to 6,893 lbs
-----
Range Differences by Trim:
Pro: Standard-Range battery is standard. Range: 240 miles
XLT: Available with Standard-Range (240 miles) or Extended-Range (320 miles).
LARIAT: Available with Standard-Range (240 miles) or Extended-Range (320 miles)
Platinum: Extended-Range battery is standard. Range: 300 miles

-----
Key Weight Factors:
The Battery: The larger Extended Range battery pack alone weighs roughly 1,800 lbs, adding about 300 to 400 lbs to the truck's total weight compared to the Standard Range
Trim Add-ons: Higher trims like the Lariat and Platinum include luxury features (power tailgates, upgraded audio, premium interiors, panoramic sunroof) which slightly increase curb weight.
Towing/Payload Trade-off: While the heavier Extended Range trims (like the Platinum) have higher towing capacities, all Lightnings must be mindful of their payload limits, which max out at around 2,235 lbs for the Pro and 1,800 lbs for the Extended Range trims
-----

 

[Shmoe]

-----
Key Weight Factors:
The Battery: The larger Extended Range battery pack alone weighs roughly 1,800 lbs, adding about 300 to 400 lbs to the truck's total weight compared to the Standard Range
Trim Add-ons: Higher trims like the Lariat and Platinum include luxury features (power tailgates, upgraded audio, premium interiors, panoramic sunroof) which slightly increase curb weight.
Towing/Payload Trade-off: While the heavier Extended Range trims (like the Platinum) have higher towing capacities, all Lightnings must be mindful of their payload limits, which max out at around 2,235 lbs for the Pro and 1,800 lbs for the Extended Range trims
-----

400lb is meaningless -- the range cost comes from the wheels.

 

[Lightning Rod]

This is what stopped me from ordering the Platinum. The range difference and something else, I can't remember. That's why I ordered the Lariat and I have NO regrets.

 

[chl]

400lb is meaningless -- the range cost comes from the wheels.

No, not meaningless according to high school physics because of:

1) In general, friction is directly proportional to weight: F(frictional force) = u(coefficient of friction) x N(normal force i.e., weight), so the rolling resistance is higher the greater the weight. However, due to load sensitivity, the absolute friction does not rise linearly which is why heavier vehicles take a longer distance to stop.

2) Because of the greater rolling resistance, it takes more energy to keep moving when the vehicle is heavier.

3) It also takes more energy to accelerate a heavier vehicle to speed due to the greater rolling resistance.

Because of these factors, they say that every 500 lbs of extra weight can reduce EV range by roughly 5% to 10%, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.

So 300-400lbs is not 'meaningless' when you consider the physics.

 

[chl]

This is what stopped me from ordering the Platinum. The range difference and something else, I can't remember. That's why I ordered the Lariat and I have NO regrets.

Hmmm...extra $20k MSRP maybe?

 

[Shmoe]

No, not meaningless according to high school physics because of:

1) In general, friction is directly proportional to weight: F(frictional force) = u(coefficient of friction) x N(normal force i.e., weight), so the rolling resistance is higher the greater the weight. However, due to load sensitivity, the absolute friction does not rise linearly which is why heavier vehicles take a longer distance to stop.

2) Because of the greater rolling resistance, it takes more energy to keep moving when the vehicle is heavier.

3) It also takes more energy to accelerate a heavier vehicle to speed due to the greater rolling resistance.

Because of these factors, they say that every 500 lbs of extra weight can reduce EV range by roughly 5% to 10%, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.

So 300-400lbs is not 'meaningless' when you consider the physics.

So you're saying the EPA range statistics don't account for the weight of the driver/passengers?

 

[ryun]

If it is the wheels and weight, why doesn't the pro get more than the lariat.

Lariat uses all season tires versus the pro that's equipped with all terrain. The all seasons are more efficient but then lost to the added diameter versus the pro's 18". That's how I figured anyway. Really just speculating.

Weight doesn't contribute much to range loss. That one is definitely true since it's been verified independently.

 

[MountainAlive]

Also note that per Ford, the platinum can tow 8,500lbs while the lariat max tow is rated for 10,000lbs. Basically because of the extra curb weight of the platinum.

 

[bmwhitetx]

I believe the efficiency drop is mostly because the weight of the wheels are much heavier, not the weight of the truck. Same reason 18” and 20” have similar range.

It has to do a physics concept called unsprung mass. It affects the amount of energy to get wheels rolling and stay rolling. Here is a good article explaining it. There are others. Google “unsprung mass EV efficiency”. Also see rotational mass.

As mentioned there are other factors like tire type, wheel aero, and curb weight but wheel weight is the main one. IIRC at least one Platinum owner swapped wheels and saw an efficiency increase.

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