Tonneau Range Savings? ~10%?

[sZedely]

A tailgate stops air, creating a high pressure situation in the bed. That's why you can see open beds with papers and cans in the back, without them flying out. They will swirl around the area of high pressure pushing them around. Air then swoops over this area of high pressure and follows the path of least resistance over the tailgate. Debunking the cover myth with aerodynamics.

That is actually not 100% correct with the modern F150. Please see the link to a video showing how the wind flows around the truck in a wind tunnel.
Granted, the design could be better for aerodynamics, but the design of the truck would look more like the Tesla truck in the rear. A tonneau cover will help up to around 5% or so. I was able to verify this myself as well.
Ford wind tunnel

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[rakamamama]

Just watched todays YouTube release by EV Buyers Guide (Alex on Autos) and toward the end (15:50) he mentions the Tonneau cover can save you around 10% on range. I haven't heard him say this in any of his other videos, maybe its on one of his podcasts. Anyone else experience or find similar?

I haven’t seen any savings, we live In Michigan & we barely get 200 miles on a 100% charge. Maybe it’s the way we drive, somewhat aggressive & we like to be comfortable with all the heaters on, a balmy 72 degrees inside the cabin. And yes, that’s with the EB, 131kWh battery.

 

[MRButtler]

The low pressure vortex is made directly after the roof sharply drops. Tailgate down saves nothing. A tonneau cover should have little effect. Make a teardrop boat tail fairing out of lightweight material, instead.

 

[ALAN BORER]

Saying a tailgate in the open position uses more fuel than one in the closed position, is a different stance and arguement than a tonneau cover vs a closed tailgate with open bed. I wasn't comparing open tailgate vs closed tailgate. I was comparing open bed with closed tailgate (how every truck is designed) to tonneau cover.



Except, there are studies by reputable sources that show a Tonneau does improve aerodynamics.

I'm not claiming 10% by any means, I'm just saying it does.

I put a Tonneau on my truck because I live in the PNW, I didn't do it for range.

Here's MotorTrend study reinforcing SEMA's test:

www.motortrend.com/features/1512-truck-aerodynamics-testing-the-snugtop-speed-showdown/amp/

 

[ALAN BORER]

Thank You , I will buy one once I get my Lightning !!!

 

[stealthzr1]

Watch the mythbuster episode on this. It’s known to hurt efficiency.

 

[RickLightning]

That is actually not 100% correct with the modern F150. Please see the link to a video showing how the wind flows around the truck in a wind tunnel.
Granted, the design could be better for aerodynamics, but the design of the truck would look more like the Tesla truck in the rear. A tonneau cover will help up to around 5% or so. I was able to verify this myself as well.
Ford wind tunnel

Yes, the truck is designed for the air to go over, as the video shows.

No, the tonneau cover won't help 5%, or at all.

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