Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a system capable of charging plug-in hybrids that may be used in future Ford EVs, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on February 7th, 2024, published on August 26th, 2025, and assigned serial number 12397660.
The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning debuted with a more powerful version of the existing Pro Power Onboard feature, boasting vehicle-to-vehicle charging capability for other EVs. Both F-150 Lightning and F-150 PowerBoost pickups equipped with the optional 9.6 or 7.2 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard generators are capable of vehicle-to-vehicle charging using an onboard 240-volt outlet at Level 2 speeds, in fact. However, Ford has also been exploring the concept of employing the same tech in plug-in hybrids, and now, this new system presents us with an idea for a system capable of charging plug-in hybrids that may be used in future Ford EVs.
In this case, Ford’s proposed system would not only enable PHEVs to charge up directly from EVs, but also, even locate a suitable all-electric vehicle nearby that can provide such a service. The system would be capable of doing all of this before the PHEV’s battery depletes to the point where the gas engine would normally kick in, ensuring that owners could continue to drive using electric-only power and conserve fuel. It’s an interesting concept, and one that’s certainly warranted, especially as a potential alternative to using more traditional charging methods.
“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.”
It's currently unclear what that product might be.
Low-interest financing offered on heavy-duty pickup truck.
It just published another patent for that kind of feature.
Based on requests from domestic automakers and trade groups.
It isn't real, but maybe some folks wish it was.
A list it's been on for years now.
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Actually it should have been like this from the beginning... but it would be better if it was Erev
Jumper cables for BEV. Kinda
Safer than trying to tranfer gasoline.
Given Ford's permanent quality control issues, this story is more fiction than fact.