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Gram (in progress/ongoing)

Gram is an open-source effort to build a repository of community-developed aftermarket automotive body modifications which improve aerodynamic efficiency and consequently fuel efficiency.

I started Gram after attempting to develop a highly portable surveillance drone. The CFD used in the drone development led to a curiosity about applying similar techniques and understanding to a consumer product. As a lifelong car guy with an interest in electrification and a former wannabe automotive designer, Gram was born.

Current efforts center on improving the efficiency of the Tesla Model 3. While the car is hyper-optimized already, Tesla is obligated to make the most advanced, yet acceptable choices in their engineering in the name of mass-adoption. Gram is not, nor are individual car owners. Preliminary CFD results suggest that aero efficiency gains of 5-7% are possible with the addition of optimized aero surfaces; this translates to an additional 10-20 miles of real world range at highway speed.

Aero surfaces under development include a wing, front and rear wheel spats, and a rear wheel covers. None of the modifications will require permanent alteration of the underlying car.