Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for rotary hybrid AC power outlets that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on July 12th, 2022, published on May 6th, 2025, and assigned serial number 12294190.
The Ford Authority Take
Back in November 2023, Ford published a patent for interchangeable AC outlets utilizing a pivotable faceplate in lieu of a traditional cover that’s found in many modern vehicles, which would cover or expose the prongs for an AC power plug – making it easier to swap them out as desired. Now, this newly published patent presents us with an idea for rotary hybrid AC power outlets that may be used in future Ford vehicles, too.
Power outlets are common features in new vehicles these days, with automakers placing them in various positions throughout the interior and exterior in an effort to provide users with more convenient ways to power up devices. Here, Ford envisions giving us something even more convenient – a power outlet that’s configured to utilize multiple plug layouts and hinge orientations. This would make it easy for users to adapt to different types of plugs used in different countries, but also, it would make things a bit easier for Ford, too, due to the fact that it sells several models in more than one place – and such a design could even make it unnecessary to change plug types.
“Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”
No Comments yet