On December 4, Tesla filed US patent application 2025/0368267, which describes a novel “Vehicle Roof Assembly with Integrated RF Transparency for Electronic Module Consolidation”. As seen for the first time x user chansu byeonThe patent has fueled speculation that Tesla may plan to integrate Starlink satellites into its electric vehicles.
This tweet is currently unavailable. It may be loading or may have been removed.
An online copy of the patent filed at the European Patent Office includes several drawings of the proposed roof assembly along with a detailed description and possible parts list. (Although the US version of the patent is indexed by Google, it is not viewable via a web browser at the time of writing.) The patent description states:
An example vehicle roof assembly is disclosed, which includes an exterior roof panel made of a radio frequency (RF) transparent polymer material such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). In some instances, this assembly enables overhead electrical modules and components, including antennae, to be integrated directly into the roof structure. Facilitating clear communication with external devices and satellites. The design includes a membrane effect to better protect the occupant during impacts, and the use of integrated foam between the outer roof and inner headliner improves thermal and acoustic insulation.
(emphasis added.)
mashable light speed
Partial cross-section view of a proposed vehicle roof assembly on a vehicle.
Credit: European Patent Office/Tesla
The patent application describes it as “a perspective view of an example antenna module and mounting.”
Credit: European Patent Office/Tesla
Why is this notable?
Tesla vehicles already connect to cellular networks, but by integrating Starlink antennas directly into its vehicles, Tesla can provide its drivers with Internet connectivity virtually anywhere. Electrek reports that the metal and glass roofs used in modern vehicles can block satellite radio signals. Not only does the new roof assembly allow RF signals to pass through the roof membrane, but the proposed roof can also integrate a satellite antenna.
Electrek reports that some Tesla owners have already retrofitted their cars to include the Starlink Mini Dish, and there could be a market for satellite-connected electric vehicles. And both with 5G cellular And Satellite Internet, Tesla vehicles will have far more connectivity than other vehicles on the road.
Of course, the patent application doesn’t specifically mention Starlink, nor does Tesla describe any plans to integrate its EVs with Starlink. And companies file patents all the time for products or innovations that never make it to the factory floor.
But it’s an interesting look at the potential future of connected cars.
Subject
electric vehicle tesla
<a href