Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a range extended electric vehicle that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on May 12th, 2023, published on November 14th, 2024, and assigned serial number 0375634.
With all-electric vehicles cooling a bit as of late, many automakers are pivoting to hybrids as something of a stop-gap measure until battery technology improves. However, one rather interesting concept that isn’t quite as common at the moment is that of the extended range electric vehicle, which would utilize a larger battery pack than the typical plug-in hybrid coupled with a gas engine and a generator that could add power back to the battery pack. Ford CEO Jim Farley previously stated that he can see value in EREVs, and one such vehicle – the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger – is set to bring it to market soon. However, it seems as if Ford is also exploring that very same concept, too.
In this newly published patent, Ford proposes a system that would utilize a power split transmission so that a vehicle could function as both a propulsion motor and generator, with a pair of motors. One of those motors would operate solely as a generator, however, and wouldn’t drive the wheels, whereas the other could provide mechanical torque to the wheels. Under normal driving circumstances, the two way clutch would ensure that one motor is powering the wheels, but in times when extended range is needed, it could automatically switch over to a different state.
In that state, one motor would be used as a generator, providing power back to the battery pack while the vehicle is in motion. This concept is certainly nothing new, but the methods Ford is exploring here are – a pretty good sign that it’s at least seriously considering creating an extended range electric vehicle of its own.
A trend that has perpetuated for some time now.
Another way to protect the battery and occupants.
With just a few more miles on the clock.
Outpacing key rivals from Genesis, Volvo and Cadillac.
Ford just scaled back production there amid weak demand.
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I think the EREV concept with a generator that can recharge the battery is a good idea and it will be interesting to see how the new RAM performs and, in the following year, the new International Terra. I don't see the advantage of Ford's idea of having the ICE engine directly powering the vehicle. It seems to add unneeded complexity, and Farley said he wants to simplify things.
The Fusion Hybrid is a series systrm. It can run purely on electricity (the Enerhi model is a plug in hybrid and does it better), without using the engine. Only if the battery is low on charge, or if the driver steps hard on the accelerator will the engine add power through the planetary transmission/transaxle. See my post below.
M O R E J U N K THAT FORD TECH'S WON'T KNOW HOW TO "FIX"!!!
Yes they do! Read my post below.
This is exactly what the Fusion Hybrid's HF35 Transaxle does! Look up the HF35 and HF45 and see what I mean. Ford is reviving the system they developed over ten years ago.