Transportation and energy company Tesla is reportedly working on a new type of soft and durable fabric to make seating in its electric vehicles last longer. The development, termed ‘load-bearing fabric architecture’ that can withstand varying loads, was revealed in a new patent application filed by Tesla last year that recently became public.

Premium textiles used now in automotives are made of fine wool that have an excellent soft hand feel, but are not durable enough to withstand abrasive loads caused by repeated passenger ingress and egress. Since the wool in such textiles is delicate, the textile can only be used in smaller areas that do not undergo repeated stress.

Though durable textiles may be used in place of these premium textiles, these do not offer the luxurious look or feel of natural fabrics.

The load-bearing fabric architecture includes a soft surface material and a support system, which includes a frame and structural surface material that are connected to the soft surface material such that the soft surface material at least partially extends above the support system, a news website dedicated to clean transportation reported citing the patent application.

The structural surface materials are also connected to the frame. The support system offers support for loads that are applied on the soft surface material, such that on application of the load, the soft surface material moves downwards causing the structural surface material to contact with the load. (DS)