Future Ford EVs Could Get Charge Port Shield

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a charge port shield that may be used in future Ford EVs, Ford Authority has learned.

The patent was filed on June 12^th, 2023, published on December 12^th, 2024, and assigned serial number 0409164.

The Ford Authority Take

Of the many patents that Ford files and publishes on a daily basis, many of them pertain to all-electric vehicles – which makes sense, given the automaker’s massive investments in that particular realm. Recently, those filings have introduced us to ideas for things like a system capable of detecting changes in driving conditions, as well as an EV charging station that could move vehicles around and use mechanical arms to attach chargers to vehicles. Now, this newly published patent keeps that theme going with a new idea – this time, for a charge port shield that may be used in future Ford EVs.

This particular idea is fairly simple, consisting of a charge port shield or cover that would be designed to protect that part of the vehicle from conditions such as rain or snow, or other contaminants that may otherwise get inside. The shield could couple itself to the charge port through an interface fit, and Ford notes that it would also include an opening that grants access to the charger plug itself as well.

When not in use. this charge port shield would be stored in a bag of sorts, after which EV owners could simply remove it and install it in the event of inclement weather. When it isn’t needed, Ford notes that the shield could be stored in its pouch in the glove compartment – out of sight and out of mind – making for a very simple idea, indeed. Given its potential usefulness, it wouldn’t be terribly surprising to see this concept come to life, however, especially since it wouldn’t presumably cost much to develop, either.