Rivian claims the R1T has a drag coefficient lower than other pickups of the same size.
Even while the Rivian R1T resembles other trucks in terms of overall appearance and proportions, its designers claim it is far more aerodynamically efficient than competitors. According to Rivian, the drag coefficient of the R1T is 0.30 Cd, while that of the Ford F-150 Lightning is 0.44 Cd and that of the GMC Hummer EV is over 0.5 Cd.
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Rivian R1T Drag Coefficient
Now, the developers of the application were able to validate Rivian's claims with the aid of AirShaper, an online aerodynamics platform targeted at both designers and engineers. They did a simulation on what they believe is an accurate scanned 3D model of the Rivian R1T, and with 0.322 Cd, they came quite near to the manufacturer's claim.
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AirShaper's Rivian R1T Virtual Wind Tunnel
A feature of the AirShaper app lets you watch the model's 3D pressure clouds as it is put through a simulated wind tunnel. A point of high pressure did in fact form on top of the right A-pillar of the R1T model they tested in the video, but not the left. They identified the problem's root cause as a few misplaced panels that hampered airflow, and they discovered that the 3D-scanned truck had the same flaw.
It is remarkable that such a small, imperceptible flaw can have such a significant impact on air flow, but this simulation demonstrates that it can and just how much. However, given that automakers are frequently too optimistic when announcing a vehicle's drag coefficient and frequently round down the number to make it stand out, it is still impressive how closely the result they obtained from the simulation matches the manufacturer claim.
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What's intriguing is that the manufacturer's claim and the actual outcome in this case may only differ due to the selection of wheels, as is stated in the video. The R1T should really come quite close to matching the official number thanks to a set of flat aero design wheels that allow air to travel over more easily than it would over a rim with spokes and lots of open areas.
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FAQ
Q: What is drag coefficient?
A: Drag coefficient (Cd) is a measure of how aerodynamic an object is. It is calculated by dividing the drag force acting on the object by the dynamic pressure of the fluid around it. A lower drag coefficient means that the object is more aerodynamic and experiences less drag force.
Q: Why is drag coefficient important?
A: Drag coefficient is important because it affects the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. The lower the drag coefficient, the less fuel the vehicle will consume. Drag coefficient is also important for electric vehicles, as it affects the vehicle's range.
Q: What is the Rivian R1T's drag coefficient?
A: Rivian claims that the R1T has a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd. This is significantly lower than the drag coefficient of other pickups of the same size, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning (0.44 Cd) and the GMC Hummer EV (over 0.5 Cd).
Q: How did Rivian achieve such a low drag coefficient?
A: Rivian used a number of aerodynamic design features to reduce the drag coefficient of the R1T, including:
- A smooth underfloor with almost all of the drivetrain components covered
- Flush door handles and a smooth overall exterior design
- Air deflectors ahead of the front and rear wheels
- An air curtain inside the front bumper
- Air breathers that connect the rear of the front wheel wells to an open channel at the bottom of the door panels
- A cabin spoiler that helps to contract the airflow
Q: What benefits does a lower drag coefficient offer the Rivian R1T?
A: The lower drag coefficient of the R1T offers a number of benefits, including:
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Increased range for electric vehicles
- Reduced wind noise
- Better handling
Q: Do other electric pickups have a drag coefficient as low as the Rivian R1T?
A: No, there is currently no other electric pickup that has a drag coefficient as low as the Rivian R1T. However, a number of other electric vehicle manufacturers are working on developing vehicles with low drag coefficients.
Overall, the Rivian R1T's low drag coefficient is a significant achievement and offers a number of benefits to the vehicle.