A not too long ago found Ford patent submitting particulars an EV battery swapping system with an uncommon design.
Most battery swapping programs up to now are designed to work with floor-mounted battery packs, however a patent software printed by america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Might, and initially filed by Ford in 2018, discusses drive-up docking stations that might use a car’s personal energy to finish the swap.
As described within the software, autos can be geared up with battery modules that could possibly be individually disconnected and swapped. These modules can be accessed through the ends of the car, so autos would pull as much as a docking station as in the event that they have been parking at a charger.
A possible benefit of this method can be elimination of the necessity to detach and deal with whole battery packs from beneath the car, which might be tough because of the weight of the packs. Ford additionally mentions self-aligning connectors for the battery modules that might make the docking and undocking processes simpler. The docking stations might additionally double as charging hubs, in response to the automaker.
Ford EV battery swapping patent picture
Ford envisions this battery swapping system as being relevant with all kinds of autos, together with each EVs and hybrids, in addition to battery-powered equipment starting from unmanned aerial autos (UAVs) to “a watercraft reminiscent of a submarine, or a robotic.”
EV battery swapping is a pretty thought as a result of it eliminates lengthy charging instances, however commercialization has been gradual. Chinese language automaker Nio does function a big community of swapping stations in its residence nation, although, and goals to increase to Europe.
Within the U.S., startup Ample is advertising and marketing its personal swapping system, which Stellantis has agreed to check with the 2024 Fiat 500e.