Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for systems and methods to predict and apply regenerative braking that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on June 12th, 2023, published on December 12th, 2024, and assigned serial number 0408975.
The Ford Authority Take
One of the benefits EVs provide is the ability to utilize one-pedal driving, as with enough regenerative braking, those vehicles can slow themselves down at a rapid rate, even to a complete stop, when the driver simply eases of the accelerator pedal. One-pedal driving is also a good thing as it provides some energy back into the battery pack when braking in this manner, and can also save major wear and tear on brake pads. Just this past August, Ford published a patent for an adaptive regenerative braking system that would be able to adjust the level of regenerative braking based on what the driver is attempting to do – such as maintaining a steady speed. Now, it has published another similar patent, this time, for systems and methods to predict and apply regenerative braking that may be used in future Ford vehicles, too.
The concept here would apply to both hybrids and EVs, and would use GPS and IMU (internal measurement unit) data to determine charging availability, and then a path and elevation data along a journey. If the elevation level is above a certain threshold, the system would be able to cut power from the vehicle’s electric motor(s) and replace it with regenerative energy, or in other suitable instances.
Such a system could be a boon for efficiency, particularly for those that live or travel in hilly or mountainous areas. We’ve seen in the past just how much energy regenerative braking can add back to a battery pack when a vehicle is descending a steep grade, and if future hybrids and EVs can better harness that power, it could give them a big advantage.
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