Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a roof-mounted backup battery that could be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on December 8th, 2021, and published on June 8th, 2023.
The Ford Authority Take
Aside from filing a patent outlining an idea for portable battery packs for EVs and other electronic devices back in February 2022, Ford has been exploring other ways to extend the range of its all-electric models – many of which utilize similar concepts of having vehicles carry extra batteries in various places. Now, this newly filed patent keeps that trend going by introducing an idea for a roof-mounted backup battery that could be used in future Ford vehicles.
What’s particularly interesting about this patent is that its drawings depict a Ford Bronco carrying a battery pack on its roof, which plugs into a charge port located in the same location – albeit on the passenger-side rear fender – that a gas cap would otherwise be placed. However, it’s worth noting that the patent mentions that this battery pack could be used in both plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles at some point in the future.
The patent also points out that this roof-mounted battery could be used to charge batteries in off-road areas, further hinting that it could be used in a future Bronco PHEV or EV. A plug-in hybrid version of the Bronco has been rumored to be in the works for some time now, and Ford Authority even spotted what looked to be a prototype back in late 2021. Adding more fuel to that fire is the fact that a PHEV version of the new Ford Ranger – the Bronco’s platform-mate, with which it also shares powertrains – is expected to launch next year, too.
As for the possibility that a Bronco EV might be in the works, Ford CEO Jim Farley previously hinted at such a machine back over two years ago, and a more recent report suggests that the all-electric SUV will enter production in late 2029.
We’ll have more on this and all Ford patents soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford patent news, Ford business news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
If this does go into production where would you put your stuff that would have gone on the roof rack? Why would you want
to put a heavy batt pack on the roof and raise your center of gravity especially if you are going off road.
How much range decrease if there with all that extra weight on the roof lugging around?