Tesla patent would put Starlink satellite tv for pc antennas in its vehicles

Tesla has filed a really fascinating patent within the U.S. and Europe for a brand new sort of automobile roof.

On Dec. 4, Tesla filed U.S. patent utility 2025/0368267, which describes a novel “Automobile 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 consists of a number of drawings of the proposed roof meeting together with an in depth description and checklist of potential elements. (Whereas the U.S. model of the patent is listed by Google, it isn’t viewable by way of an online browser on the time of writing.) The patent description states:

An instance car roof meeting is disclosed, that includes an outer roof panel constituted of radio frequency (RF) clear polymer supplies, reminiscent of Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA). In some examples, this meeting permits the mixing of overhead electrical modules and elements, together with antennae, immediately into the roof construction, facilitating clear communication with exterior gadgets and satellites. The design incorporates a membrane impact for enhanced occupant safety throughout impacts, and using built-in foams between the outside roof and inside headliner improves thermal and acoustic insulation.

(Emphasis added.)

A partial cross-section view of the proposed car roof meeting on a car.
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 may provide its drivers web connectivity nearly anyplace. Electrek studies that the metallic and glass roofs utilized in trendy autos can block satellite tv for pc radio alerts. Not solely does the brand new roof meeting permit for RF alerts to go via the roof membrane, however the proposed roof may additionally combine a satellite tv for pc antenna.

Electrek studies that some Tesla house owners 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 larger 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 flooring.

Nevertheless it’s an fascinating look into the potential way forward for related vehicles.