Ford (F) files patent for roof-mounted backup EV battery

Detroit automaker, Ford (NYSE: F) has filed an interesting patent for a large roof-mounted backup battery. The battery pack, which resembles a conventional roof box, would attach to the roof rack of any compatible electric vehicle, allowing customers to top-up the main high-voltage pack of an EV when driving through an area where there aren’t any chargers available.

The abstract of the Ford patent reads: “An electrified vehicle backup battery system includes a traction battery pack of an electrified vehicle and a backup battery assembly that is removably mounted to the electrified vehicle. The backup battery assembly is configured to recharge the traction battery pack through a charge port of the electrified vehicle. A traction battery pack charging method includes recharging a traction battery pack of an electrified vehicle from a backup battery assembly that is mounted above a roof of the electrified vehicle.”

Ford's backup battery system consists of multiple battery modules enclosed within a protective casing, accompanied by a cord set. The backup battery assembly can be conveniently detached, allowing electric vehicle owners to utilize the roof rack without any restrictions.

In the Detailed Description portion of Ford’s patent, the legacy automaker explains why a backup battery might be necessary for areas lacking charging stations.

“Users may be reluctant to drive an electrified vehicle in areas lacking charging stations. This disclosure provides a backup battery assembly that can be removably mounted to a roof of a vehicle and utilized to recharge a traction battery pack of a vehicle and utilized to recharge a traction battery pack of the vehicle. The backup battery assembly is particularly useful for vehicles that frequent areas lacking high numbers of charging stations, such as off-roading vehicles utilized for off-roading.”

Intriguingly, Ford's patent reveals that the charging set utilized is not a Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) NACS port but rather CCS (Combined Charging System). Ford has recently established a partnership with Tesla, enabling future customers to access Tesla Superchargers. Additionally, Ford made an announcement regarding its plans to integrate Tesla NACS charging technology into its vehicles, aiming to facilitate easier access to the extensive Supercharger Network.

Shares of F are up 0.99% in afternoon trading on Friday.

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]

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