Tesla has filed a really fascinating patent within the U.S. and Europe for a brand new kind of automotive roof.
On Dec. 4, Tesla filed U.S. patent utility 2025/0368267, which describes a novel “Car Roof Meeting with Built-in RF Transparency for Digital Module Consolidation.” As first noticed by X person Chansoo Byeon, the patent has fueled hypothesis that Tesla could possibly be planning to combine Starlink satellites into its electrical autos.
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An on-line copy of the patent filed with the European Patent Workplace contains a number of drawings of the proposed roof meeting together with an in depth description and checklist of potential components. (Whereas the U.S. model of the patent is listed by Google, it isn’t viewable through an online browser on the time of writing.) The patent description states:
An instance automobile roof meeting is disclosed, that includes an outer roof panel produced from radio frequency (RF) clear polymer supplies, reminiscent of Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA). In some examples, this meeting allows the mixing of overhead electrical modules and parts, together with antennae, immediately into the roof construction, facilitating clear communication with exterior units and satellites. The design incorporates a membrane impact for enhanced occupant safety throughout impacts, and the usage of built-in foams between the outside roof and inside headliner improves thermal and acoustic insulation.
(Emphasis added.)
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A partial cross-section view of the proposed automobile roof meeting on a automobile.
Credit score: European Patent Workplace / Tesla
The patent utility describes this as a “perspective view of an instance antenna module and mounting.”
Credit score: European Patent Workplace / Tesla
Why is that this noteworthy?
Tesla autos already connect with mobile networks, however by integrating Starlink antennas immediately into its autos, Tesla might supply its drivers web connectivity nearly wherever. Electrek experiences that the metallic and glass roofs utilized in trendy autos can block satellite tv for pc radio indicators. Not solely does the brand new roof meeting enable for RF indicators to go by way of the roof membrane, however the proposed roof might additionally combine a satellite tv for pc antenna.
Electrek experiences that some Tesla homeowners already retrofit their vehicles to incorporate Starlink Mini dishes, and there could possibly be a marketplace for satellite-connected electrical autos. And with each 5G mobile and satellite tv for pc web, Tesla autos would have far better connectivity than different autos on the highway.
In fact, the patent utility would not particularly point out Starlink, nor has Tesla described any plans to combine its EVs with Starlink. And firms file patents on a regular basis for merchandise or improvements that by no means make it to the manufacturing unit ground.
However it’s an fascinating look into the potential way forward for related vehicles.
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Electrical Autos
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