Tesla has received a patent for an active aerodynamic system called Electric Fan Car. The design uses four electric fans installed in the rear diffuser. They draw air from under the car's underbody and expel it backward, creating a low-pressure area. The resulting downforce increases the load on the wheels and potentially improves road grip.
The main difference from a conventional spoiler is its operation regardless of the car's speed. A wing creates downforce due to the oncoming airflow, so its effectiveness depends on speed. The fan system can create a vacuum even at slow speeds, which can be useful during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
US Patent No. 12,746,987 B1 was issued to Tesla on September 29, 2026. The document describes an air intake under the underbody, an internal duct, an enlarged outlet opening at the rear of the car, and four fans separated by vertical partitions.
The drawings show a Tesla Model S, but the patent does not limit the system's application to a single model. In the future, the technology could be useful for Tesla's sports versions, including the Roadster. However, the company has not yet confirmed that it intends to install it on production cars.
Practical implementation will require addressing issues of energy consumption, noise, reliability, and protection of air ducts from dirt and debris. The patent does not specify the exact amount of downforce or the energy consumption of the system.