Ford is currently hard at work on its electric F-150, which is scheduled to launch in mid-2022. We’ve already seen the prototype out testing on various terrain, caught a glimpse of its front end design, and learned a few key details about the electrified Ford F-150, as well as seen the automaker break ground on where it’ll be built – the new Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center.
The electric F-150 will present a variety of benefits to buyers, including much lower operating costs. But there are still many hurdles Ford must overcome to convince buyers to give up their ICE-powered pickups, with range anxiety ranking near the top. Many truck owners haul and tow heavy loads long distances, which is something EVs don’t do particularly well. But now, the automaker might have come up with a solution.
FoMoCo recently filed a patent for a removable, range-extending generator that sits in the bed of a pickup like a toolbox. It contains an engine, fuel tank, exhaust system, and electronics in one nifty package, would could presumably kick in when the truck’s batteries run low.
It’s a pretty genius solution that could allow pickup owners to travel longer distances or haul heavy loads without having to worry about running out of juice or having to stop and charge along the way. And it would also serve as a good stop-gap solution until battery technology progresses to the point where it can handle the demands of truck owners.
This range-extender would also be a boon for fleets, as it can be moved from truck to truck as needed. And if it isn’t needed, it can be removed altogether to save on weight and maximize range.
For non-commercial owners, the range extender would provide a little peace of mind for long trips, and they could even use the range extender as a portable generator, like a beefed-up version of the Pro Power Onboard system present in the 2021 Ford F-150.
We’ll have more on this interesting patent filing as soon as it’s available, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford F-Series news, Ford F-150 news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
So would this be considered a BEV or a Plug in Hybrid ? Would it still be eligible in California according to their 2035 ZEV mandate ?
Very practical idea. What will be interesting is if it can charge as fast as the truck is consuming power (ie can it indefinitely extend your range or does it just prolong the battery a little bit)? Would be neat if it can run while the truck is off so your truck can charge itself while parked. I really like this concept and it alleviates a lot of the range anxiety with electric. Also being modular it could be sold as an accessory later on, keeping the price of the new truck down.