While the Model Y Performance variant features 21-inch Uberturbine wheels, some owners want to downgrade to smaller rims for a more comfortable ride or to create a ‘sleeper’ version of the car.
The Model Y Long Range AWD comes with standard 19-inch Gemini wheels and aero covers. Some Model Y owners have considered these on their Performance Model Y—but do the Gemini wheels fit?
The answer is yes, according to Nick Boards, who shared the following video detailing 19-inch Gemini wheels on his Performance Model Y. According to Nick, the “wheels do clear the [performance] brakes”. He bought the Geminis off Craigslist and slapped on some winter/all weather tires in preparation for fall and winter driving.
As for improving range with the 19-inch Gemini wheels? Nick responded to a YouTube comment to say, “Normally with the Model 3 you can go into the computer and swap the wheels manually. Not yet on the Model Y. When you contact Tesla and have them swap the 21s to the 19s within the computer/GUI it bumps your actual “Range” to the 316 miles of the LR AWD.”
“Although I put some stickier tires/all weather winterish tires on the Geminis so the range bump wasn’t as great as expected. I’ll do some testing later on to compare the 21s. They just bumped the total range for the 21s/performance from 280 miles to 291 (on website and also via update for me) and the 21s are actually pretty efficient so far (lifetime average of 265wh/mi ish on 21s). I also will do a video detailing the differences shortly,” he added.
According to Nick, when he went to buy tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors for the Gemini wheels, he was told they wouldn’t work. But they do in fact work. The Model Y has Bluetooth TPMS, so you will need to buy OEM Tesla sensors.
As for ride quality and noise with the 19-inch Geminis on his Performance Model Y? Nick says noise and comfort “definitely is quieter” and not as harsh when driving over bumps on roads in general.
