EV maker Tesla (TSLA) has received a patent for an "Electric Fan Car" that uses four electric fans under the rear of a vehicle to create downforce at virtually any speed. According to Electrek, the newly granted patent shows the system installed on a Model S, even though Tesla stopped making that car in April. The timing is notable because Tesla has also patented other active aerodynamic technology and is preparing to show its long-delayed Roadster on October 15.

The system works by pulling air from underneath the vehicle through an inlet near the rear wheels. That air then travels through a duct toward four electric fans in the rear diffuser. When those fans remove air from under the car, they create a low-pressure area that pulls the vehicle toward the road.

That is important because normal aerodynamic downforce depends heavily on speed. A traditional diffuser becomes more effective as the car moves faster. Interestingly, though, Tesla's system could generate downforce even when the car is moving slowly.

This could improve traction during acceleration and help the vehicle stay more stable when braking. A second design also includes smaller side inlets that reduce wasted airflow from behind the vehicle. The newly patented fans would draw power from the vehicle's main high-voltage battery rather than requiring a separate power source. In addition, drivers could activate them manually, or the vehicle could switch them on automatically.

The Patent Could Be Included in the New Roadster

The biggest question is which Tesla vehicle could actually use the technology. The patent drawings show a Model S, although production of the Model S has already ended. That leaves the upcoming Roadster as the most obvious performance vehicle in Tesla's current pipeline.

Tesla also received another fan-car patent last year that used underbody fans and movable skirts. More recently, the company patented a hidden active rear wing that could generate as much as 700 kilograms of downforce.

These patents show that Tesla has explored several ways to use active aerodynamics on a high-performance vehicle. However, a patent does not confirm that any of these systems will appear on a production Roadster.

What Is the Prediction for TSLA Stock?

Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on TSLA stock based on 12 Buys, 12 Holds, and two Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average TSLA price target of $391.40 per share implies 11.5% upside potential. (See TSLA Stock Forecast).