maxbelchenko/ShutterstockTesla regularly files new patents, including a method for reimagining what a steering wheel can do and managing a self-driving car's path with camera images. The EV automaker has more than 3,300 published patents, and one of its latest involves a perforated glass roof design aimed at making the interior of the car feel cooler. Another Tesla patent focused on climate control consists of a system that pulls warm air out of the vehicle's cabin. The perforated glass roof patent was filed in 2019, but the application wasn't granted and published until 2026.The climate control system patent, filed by Tesla in 2024, remains pending. The Tesla Model S may be infamous for depreciation, but it's also known for a full-length glass roof, which initially appeared in 2016. This feature delivers aesthetic benefits, giving passengers plenty of sunlight. However, even with tinted glass, it can make the interior of the vehicle feel hot on a sunny day. This can lead to increased use of the air conditioner (AC), which reduces battery range. Tesla's patents may alleviate this issue with systems that almost work like a smart AC.How the perforated glass roof worksSjoerd Van Der Wal/Getty ImagesTesla's patent for a new perforated glass roof calls for two layers of glass with a gap, of up to 6 mm, between them consisting of an air-filled honeycomb structure. The outer layer protects the car's cabin from the elements, while the the occupant-facing inner layer would contain round holes measuring between 0.05 and 2 mm in diameter.By connecting the car's air conditioning system directly to this roof structure, cool air would move into the gap between the two layers of glass. This climate-controlled air would then spread across the entire roof area and flow down through the perforations into the cabin, as cool air falls. The idea is to provide a more comfortable environment for passengers. And if Tesla's new design works as planned, it could mean running the air conditioning less frequently, which is one way to extend your electric vehicle's range.Tesla's patent for AC with suction could increase cabin comfortiPoguz/ShutterstockThe other recently published patent from Tesla would create an HVAC system that uses suction to remove air from areas that commonly heat up inside the cabin of cars with glass roof panels, like the dashboard and headliner. Featuring a modified HVAC system that "vacuums" these heated areas (using the existing vents), the system would limit the ability of hot air to mix with conditioned cool air. The patent estimates a 43% reduction in the cabin temperature gradient and a 7% reduction in energy usage.This smart AC setup would use internal temperature and sunlight sensors to determine when the heated pockets of air are forming and only then activating the suction capabilities, conserving energy. Beyond improving air conditioning performance, Tesla's system might also aid in creating a more efficient defrost function during winter. It would potentially just need a reversal of how the system operates to deliver these benefits. Additionally, this airflow optimization design could be added across the Tesla lineup without requiring major modifications. It's important to note that published patents don't always lead to actual products, but these ideas are worth watching.Enjoyed this article? Sign up to BGR's free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source or follow us on Google for the latest in tech and entertainment, plus tips and advice you'll actually use.