Future Ford EVs Could Get Special Sand Drive Mode

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a special sand drive mode that may be used in future Ford EVs, Ford Authority has learned.

The patent was filed on February 1^st, 2023, published on August 1^st, 2024, and assigned serial number 0253637.

The Ford Authority Take

Ford has filed quite a few patents in recent months revolving around drive modes and EVs in general, showing off ideas such as an EV burnout performance mode, a system capable of automatically switching drive modes, and selectable vehicle profiles, to name just a few. Now, this recently published patent somewhat combines those ideas into something new – a special sand drive mode that may be used in future Ford EVs, too.

Last fall, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally was revealed as somewhat of a surprise, in that it’s a rally-focused, off-road capable version of the EV crossover. Along with unique bodywork, a lifted suspension, and other special parts, the Mach-E Rally also utilizes a special RallySport drive mode, to boot, which is something similar to what this patent aims to do. In this case, the unique drive mode is centered around making it easier to operate a vehicle in the sand, however.

Given the fact that sand can be quite tricky to drive in – at least, without getting stuck – such a drive mode makes quite a bit of sense. This drive mode would be able to manipulate the EV’s power output from its electric motors, engage axle lock, and even change the steering angle as needed, automatically figuring out how to either get through the sand without getting stuck, or how to remove a vehicle if it is in fact stuck – something that could come in handy, especially for those that like to go off-roading in the desert.

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