Ford's Solution for EV Charging Range Limitations
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Ford filed a patent for an "electrified vehicle roof-mounted backup battery," which would include an electric vehicle (EV) traction battery pack, along with a backup battery assembly that could be mounted and removed.
Ford's patent application also mentioned a cord, a connection port, and multiple battery modules housed in the backup battery assembly. According to the automaker, drivers could use the cord to couple the backup battery body electrically to an EV through the connection and charge ports. The backup battery could prove helpful, for instance, at a campsite without readily available EV chargers. It could also add electric vehicle range and combat range anxiety. Ford suggested that the backup battery could be rented or leased.
However, forum users at Lightning Owners posed questions regarding the backup battery's weight. Concerns included how users would lift the system — considering current EV batteries weigh approximately 1,000 pounds — and if the weight would increase the chances of rollover accidents. Electrek, meanwhile, questioned whether Ford would need to reinforce the vehicle's roof to support the weight.
The forum discussion starter on Lightning Owners also highlighted Ford's use of a Bronco in the patent's images, prompting speculation about the potential arrival of an electric version of the vehicle.
