Ford Patents Toolbox-Sized Range Extender for Electric Trucks

Ford is exploring creative solutions to EV range anxiety, especially for truck owners who tow heavy loads. A newly published patent reveals a concept for a removable, gasoline-powered range extender shaped like a toolbox, which could be placed in the cargo bed or front trunk of an electric pickup.

How Would It Work?

The patent describes a self-contained unit that includes a small internal combustion engine, a generator, a fuel tank, and an exhaust system. The idea is to provide a flexible solution for truck owners who only need extra range on specific occasions.

• Temporary Power Boost: Owners could leave the unit at home for daily driving but install it for long road trips or demanding towing jobs that significantly reduce battery range.
• Flexible Placement: The patent shows the unit being mounted in various locations, including the truck bed, the frunk, or even on a roof rack.
• A Bridge Technology: This concept acts as a bridge between all-electric power and the security of a gas generator, potentially appealing to truck buyers who are hesitant to go fully electric due to range concerns.

From Patent to Production?

It's important to remember that not all patents become production realities. However, this filing shows that Ford is thinking creatively about how to address one of the biggest hurdles for EV adoption in the truck segment. The idea of an optional, removable range extender could be a game-changer for making electric trucks more practical for a wider range of customers.