Tesla patents inflatable aerodynamic bed airbag to improve Cybertruck towing range

[stumby]

Patent Application 20250289514 -- "Inflatable Aerodynamic Deflector For Conveyances."

Tesla patent extends Cybertruck towing range via balloon
The bed-based deflector would help to reduce aerodynamic drag whilst hauling a trailer, improving the truck's efficiency

https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/t...ector-airbag-balloon-aerodynamic-towing-range

October 1, 2025

• Tesla just patented a new Cybertruck accessory that could improve its range when towing
• The balloon-backed deflector would pop up from the Cybertruck bed to improve aerodynamics

The patent, which came from Tesla on September 18, describes a system of air bladders and inflators, all of which fit into the bed of the Cybertruck to create a semi-rigid deflector that would theoretically direct air around and over the top of a trailer. The illustration shows a device that more or less follows the lines of a Cybertruck, cleaning up airflow relative to the bluff, square front end of a cargo trailer or other such towable.

According to documents filed with a patent office in the United States, Tesla is mulling over the concept of a fabric sack that would inflate over the truck’s cargo bed when a trailer is attached to the pickup truck. The inflatable would be of such size and shape that it could deflect a lot of air up and over whatever is being towed, not unlike those massive composite air deflectors commonly found on the roofs of tractor-trailers.

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[Baldyloxx]

And what happens to the overall bed space..?

sound like a new take on the RangeExtender

 

[hemiarch]

That’s awesome. And also kind of supports the claims of the bedcap people.

 

[smg]

No matter how well that works that looks ridiculous.

 

[Fugue]

I'm guessing this is an old idea and old sketch based on the handles and charging cover on the truck.

What other ideas might be on the wait list?

Edit: that back tip looks like a good spot for an integrated trailer camera.

 

[HaulingAss]

No matter how well that works that looks ridiculous.

Is this your way of telling us you are not a truck redneck after all?

 

[Sousray]

if it is closed off on the back side it could act as a camper cover / tent.

 

[Urander]

That’s awesome. And also kind of supports the claims of the bedcap people.

 

[smg]

Is this your way of telling us you are not a truck redneck after all?

 

[JCERRN]

Patent Application 20250289514 -- "Inflatable Aerodynamic Deflector For Conveyances."

Tesla patent extends Cybertruck towing range via balloon
The bed-based deflector would help to reduce aerodynamic drag whilst hauling a trailer, improving the truck's efficiency

https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/t...ector-airbag-balloon-aerodynamic-towing-range

October 1, 2025

• Tesla just patented a new Cybertruck accessory that could improve its range when towing
• The balloon-backed deflector would pop up from the Cybertruck bed to improve aerodynamics

The patent, which came from Tesla on September 18, describes a system of air bladders and inflators, all of which fit into the bed of the Cybertruck to create a semi-rigid deflector that would theoretically direct air around and over the top of a trailer. The illustration shows a device that more or less follows the lines of a Cybertruck, cleaning up airflow relative to the bluff, square front end of a cargo trailer or other such towable.

According to documents filed with a patent office in the United States, Tesla is mulling over the concept of a fabric sack that would inflate over the truck’s cargo bed when a trailer is attached to the pickup truck. The inflatable would be of such size and shape that it could deflect a lot of air up and over whatever is being towed, not unlike those massive composite air deflectors commonly found on the roofs of tractor-trailers.

Hey i designed this a while ago!

 

[TexasRaider]

Hey i designed this a while ago!

I hope you patented those lines. . . ?
Haha

 

[hemiarch]

Dear Santa/Elon or to whomever else it may concern,

Pretty pretty please make this into a solar panel that can plug into the HV input originally designed for the range extender and can boost range both while stationary and while driving. Also include an auxiliary input that will allow me to cover the roof of the trailer with panels as well.
In some extreme circumstances I may even consider plugging a diesel generator into said auxiliary input.
That way there is both an energy reduction/aerodynamic benefit and an energy supplementation benefit from this hideous but likely useful device you have patented.
I in turn will be really really good and also give you lots and lots of my money.
Sincerely,
One of your most loyal fans from the very beginning.
Hemiarch

 

[Fugue]

Dear Santa/Elon or to whomever else it may concern,

Pretty pretty please make this into a solar panel that can plug into the HV input originally designed for the range extender and can boost range both while stationary and while driving. Also include an auxiliary input that will allow me to cover the roof of the trailer with panels as well.
In some extreme circumstances I may even consider plugging a diesel generator into said auxiliary input.
That way there is both an energy reduction/aerodynamic benefit and an energy supplementation benefit from this hideous but likely useful device you have patented.
I in turn will be really really good and also give you lots and lots of my money.
Sincerely,
One of your most loyal fans from the very beginning.
Hemiarch

I think the lack of solar input is an unfortunate decision. At least let us offset the vampiric drain.

 

[Crissa]

No matter how well that works that looks ridiculous.

If it works, it's not ridiculous. We all got used to trucks with hats. Now we'll see trucks with capes.

-Crissa

 

[spamy42]

Patent Application 20250289514 -- "Inflatable Aerodynamic Deflector For Conveyances."

Tesla patent extends Cybertruck towing range via balloon
The bed-based deflector would help to reduce aerodynamic drag whilst hauling a trailer, improving the truck's efficiency

https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/t...ector-airbag-balloon-aerodynamic-towing-range

October 1, 2025

• Tesla just patented a new Cybertruck accessory that could improve its range when towing
• The balloon-backed deflector would pop up from the Cybertruck bed to improve aerodynamics

The patent, which came from Tesla on September 18, describes a system of air bladders and inflators, all of which fit into the bed of the Cybertruck to create a semi-rigid deflector that would theoretically direct air around and over the top of a trailer. The illustration shows a device that more or less follows the lines of a Cybertruck, cleaning up airflow relative to the bluff, square front end of a cargo trailer or other such towable.

According to documents filed with a patent office in the United States, Tesla is mulling over the concept of a fabric sack that would inflate over the truck’s cargo bed when a trailer is attached to the pickup truck. The inflatable would be of such size and shape that it could deflect a lot of air up and over whatever is being towed, not unlike those massive composite air deflectors commonly found on the roofs of tractor-trailers.

Will someone with a trailer please try this by attaching a piece of plywood to their truck?

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