A not too long ago surfaced patent utility from Ford envisions a brand new kind of EV battery swapping system.
EV battery swapping typically entails eradicating a depleted battery pack from beneath the car and sliding in a totally charged one. However on this patent utility, the automaker discusses drive-up docking stations that may use a car’s personal energy to finish the swap.
As an alternative of detaching a heavy battery pack from beneath a car, Ford envisions a sequence of electrically-connected modules that may very well be disconnected and swapped. These modules may very well be accessed from both the entrance or rear of the car, accompanying drawings present. So automobiles would park at one of many docking stations as in the event that they had been pulling as much as a charger.
Ford EV battery swapping patent picture
Usually for a patent utility, Ford discusses a number of variations which may not make it into the ultimate design ought to or not it’s commercialized. Along with EVs, Ford claims the docking stations might work with hybrids and different sorts of equipment starting from unmanned aerial automobiles (UAVs) to “a watercraft reminiscent of a submarine, or a robotic.” On a automobile, significantly, the location of heavy battery packs larger up within the car may need a profound impact on dynamics and probably stability.
Ford additionally discusses massive, self-aligning connectors for the battery modules—creating a number of wiggle room to make the docking course of simpler—in addition to a two-way locking system to maintain them in place. The docking stations themselves might additionally function charging hubs, Ford suggests.
Ford EV battery swapping patent picture
As with different patented concepts, it is unclear if Ford’s battery swapping system will get commercialized. The applying was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) Could 14, 2024, but it surely was initially filed by Ford again in 2018, so it is unclear whether or not that is an thought Ford is submitting away or one it’d doubtlessly take a look at out.
At the moment, Chinese language automaker Nio operates a big battery-swapping community in China based mostly round eradicating and changing battery packs of a standard design from beneath EVs. It is increasing to Europe as effectively, and has partnered with Chinese language battery maker CATL on the subsequent technology battery swapping. China’s Geely—mum or dad of Volvo and Polestar—can be on board.
Within the U.S., startup Ample has been engaged on battery swapping to incorporate bigger supply vans. Final December, Stellantis introduced plans for a Fiat 500e battery-swapping take a look at with Ample’s system.
