Certainly. Below is a paraphrased and completed version of the text:
The impact of towing on the range of electric vehicles (EVs) is considerable, leading Ford to contemplate the integration of batteries within trailers as a compensatory mechanism.
On August 3, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a Ford patent application that had initially been submitted on February 1, 2022. This application explains a system of bidirectional charging that allows a connection between an electric vehicle and a trailer equipped with batteries, thereby facilitating the exchange of energy between the two.
Ford Mustang Overview
Image of Ford’s Bidirectional Charging Patent for Trailers
The design would primarily focus on maintaining the charge of the towing EV’s battery pack, drawing power from the battery packs located in one or multiple trailers connected in a sequential arrangement referred to as a “daisy-chain configuration.” The application further states that these trailers could serve as charging stations for other electric-powered equipment such as jet skis, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or dirt bikes.
Images reveal a pickup truck featuring a unique cab-forward structure that has been a recurring theme in various Ford patent filings. The company intends to release a high-volume electric full-size pickup as a successor to the F-150 Lightning in 2025. However, the patent also highlights that the trailer charging technology could be adapted to other types of vehicles, including a three-row SUV capable of 350 miles of range, slated for release in 2025 as well.
Image of Ford Gen 2 Electric SUV Following Enhancements
The concept of utilizing a trailer to augment the range of EVs is not entirely novel. Colorado Teardrops’ Boulder travel trailer includes a 75-kWh battery pack that can charge a tow vehicle when it’s not in motion. Moreover, Airstream unveiled the eStream concept in 2022, featuring a system that introduces electric motors to a trailer, aiding in alleviating the load on the towing vehicle. With a modified trailer, this system enabled an Audi E-Tron Sportback, with an EPA rating of 218 miles, to achieve a real-world range of 240 miles.
General Motors, on the other hand, has submitted a patent application for an alternative method that introduces a self-propelled tow-assist device between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Though sharing similarities with Ford’s trailer battery concept, this application serves a different function, providing additional propulsion to facilitate the movement of the trailer. However, like Ford’s application, it remains a patent filing and has not yet been implemented into practice.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about trailer battery charging
What is the concept behind Ford’s patent for charging EVs with a trailer battery?
Ford’s patent outlines a system of bidirectional charging between an electric vehicle (EV) and a trailer equipped with batteries. The design prioritizes keeping the towing EV’s battery pack charged by drawing power from battery packs in one or more trailers. Trailers can also be used to charge other electric-powered equipment, like jet skis and motorcycles.
How does Ford’s trailer battery charging concept differ from existing solutions?
Ford’s concept is unique in its focus on bidirectional charging and the ability to draw power from battery packs located in multiple trailers connected in a “daisy-chain configuration.” While other manufacturers have explored the use of trailers to extend EV range, Ford’s approach integrates the trailer batteries for both vehicle charging and charging other electric equipment.
Is Ford’s trailer battery charging concept in use or just a patent filing?
As of the information provided in the text, Ford’s trailer battery charging concept is a patent filing and has not been implemented into practice yet. It details a potential future technology rather than a currently available product.
What types of vehicles could potentially use Ford’s trailer battery charging technology?
According to the patent filing, Ford’s trailer battery charging concept could be used in various vehicles, including a planned high-volume electric full-size pickup truck and a three-row SUV with 350 miles of range, both expected to be launched in 2025.
How does the Ford trailer battery charging concept relate to other manufacturers like General Motors?
While Ford’s patent focuses on bidirectional charging between an EV and a trailer, General Motors has filed a patent for an alternative system that adds a self-propelled tow-assist device between the tow vehicle and trailer. Though both concepts involve trailer-assisted technologies, they serve different functions and applications.
More about trailer battery charging
- Ford Motor Company Official Website
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- Airstream eStream Concept
- General Motors Official Website
- Colorado Teardrops Boulder Travel Trailer
5 comments
Don’t know much about cars but this sounds impressive. How do they come up with these ideas? Could be the next big thing in the automotive world or just another patent.
It’s a cool concept. How it will work with differnt trailers and vehicles is still a big question. Wish there was more info on this.
ford is at it again with their patents! but i can’t figure out if this is just another concept or something they are actually gonna build. any ideas?
Finally something fresh in the EV space! Trailer batteries could be a game-changer, not only for towing but also for outdoor adventures!
Seems like a great idea but wonder how practical it is in real world applications. Ford is doing some innovative things, but will they implement this one?