Tesla patents ‘Electric Fan Car’ with 4 ducted fans ahead of Roadster reveal

Tesla just got a patent for an "Electric Fan Car," a system using four electric fans built into the rear diffuser to pull the car down toward the road, similar to downforce systems in racing. The patent drawings show a Tesla Model S, though Tesla stopped building that car in April. Air flows under the car through an inlet between the rear wheels and exits through the fans at the back, creating suction that holds the car to the pavement regardless of speed. The fans run off the car's main battery, with no separate power source, and can switch on automatically or with a button.

Since the Model S is no longer made, this fan design has nowhere to go except Tesla's upcoming Roadster, which has also picked up a patent for a hidden rear wing and an earlier fan-and-skirt design. Together these suggest Tesla is building toward a serious track-performance package for that car, whose demo has been pushed back to October 15.

This is a patent, not a product, and Tesla has a history of patenting features that never make it to market. It also has nothing to do with home energy upgrades or rebates. It is simply a look at possible future performance technology for an electric sports car, not something that affects your home or your electricity use.