Ford Rival GM Files Patent For Hybrid Vehicle Technology

The automotive world is currently in a bit of a flux when it comes to the future of powertrain technology, now that we aren’t seemingly destined to reach a state of pure electrification as quickly as previously expected. Rather, consumers are buying up hybrids at a rapid rate, sending automakers back to the drawing board as many expand their respective lineups to include more of those partially-electrified models. That includes Ford’s cross-town rival General Motors, which plans to roll out a number of new plug-in hybrids by 2027, and now, GM has filed a patent for another type of hybrid tech.

First spotted by GM Authority, this patent – published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on May 27^th, 2025 – outlines an idea for a new type of hybrid vehicle propulsion that offers up “full electric all-wheel-drive operation and avoids losses associated with [the] use of a large electric motor for a hybrid transaxle,” according to the filing. The concept here is to optimize battery charging and discharging strategies, while also improving upon existing regenerative braking and power distribution tech to make a more efficient hybrid system.

In this case, GM’s proposed hybrid system would also be capable of switching to a variety of different modes, based on the needs/desires of the driver – a list that includes vehicle standby, full 0-60 acceleration, highway cruising, passing at speeds of 50-80 mph, regenerative braking at different speeds, and even one mode called “obstacle climb” that provides maximum torque for off-road situations.

It’s an interesting concept for certain, though as is always the case, patents aren’t guaranteed to actually come to life in future production vehicles. Regardless, most automakers are cooking up an expanded hybrid strategy of some sort, with Toyota pivoting to plug-in hybrids, while Ford is exploring the use of extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in terms of larger SUVs and trucks.