Pack your battery: Ford patents way to add range off the grid

Ford’s latest patent filing in the US shows the brand may be planning to give drivers the ability to add an additional battery to the roof of their electric vehicles (EVs).

First shared on the Ford Lightningforum and published by Ford Authority, the patent features an image of a Bronco – unusual, given the reborn off-roader is petrol-only, at least for now. Is this a hint Ford is planning an electric Bronco, perhaps?

Carmakers are always looking for new and innovative ways to increase EV battery range, and Ford’s filing appears intended for drivers who are in areas with little to no charging facilities, including those who are off-roading.

It’s unclear how the battery will make its way onto the roof as some batteries can weigh as much as 500-1000kg.

The negative impact on the vehicle’s aerodynamics and roof weight limits also don’t appear to be outlined in the patent.

Considering the weight of the additional battery, it’s inevitable the original claimed range of the vehicle will deplete significantly quicker, potentially defeating the purpose of having the additional battery in the first place.

In saying that, it appears the additional battery is not designed to constantly stay on the roof the vehicle, but to instead be added when necessary.

A modular platform will supposedly secure the battery and can be adapted to various electric vehicles, suggesting this might be something Ford plans to roll out across its EV line up.

It’s also worth noting that Ford filed the patent in December 2021 and has yet to announce if the system will make it in either concept or production form. Many patents never do.