The Standard Range Plus (SR+) and Long Range (LR) versions of the Model 3 can come equipped with 18″ Aero rims that can improve the efficiency of the EV by as much as 5%.
One added bonus of the Aero rims is the ability to remove the cover to show off the 10-spoke rims underneath. Once they’re off, you will need to buy the Aero Cap Wheel Kit from Tesla (or an aftermarket option) to cover up the exposed lug nuts and wheel hub.
A new Kickstarter project wants to bring a new look to the Tesla Aero rims that is reminiscent of the single nut wheels coming on the Tesla Roadster.
Called the HUB-E, you can replace the 5 lug nut covers and center cap with a simple one-piece design that enhances the overall look of the wheel.
There are three levels to contribute towards the project. Putting in $60 USD or more will get a set of HUB-E caps for $15. Pledge $50 or more and the price for the set is $12.50 USD, while contributing $40 or more will lower the price to $10. (Is it just me, or are those numbers backwards?)
Unfortunately the HUB-E will only ship to the United States.
As of the time of publication, they have just 47 backers and are still well short of the goal with 28 days to go.
According to the Kickstarter description, the first HUB-E’s are planning to ship in April 2021. That date has a buffer built-in due to possible COVID-19 delays, so the actual shipping date could be earlier.
What do you think of the HUB-E? Would you buy it for your Model 3? Let us know in the comments below.
