Ford Eyes Future of EV Charging with Innovative Drive-Up Battery Swapping Patent

Ford is contemplating the idea of electric vehicle battery exchanges through drive-in docking sites, as suggested by a patent application that has recently come to light.

Battery exchange for electric vehicles typically entails taking out a used-up battery from under the car and replacing it with a charged one. However, in this patent application, the car manufacturer proposes drive-in swap stations that would utilize the car's power to execute the battery switch.

Ford is contemplating a design where, rather than removing a bulky battery pack from below a car, it would have a number of electric modules that are easily interchangeable. Illustrated plans indicate that these modules could be reached from the vehicle's front or back. Thus, cars would pull into one of these exchange stations similar to how they would approach a charging station.

Image depicting Ford's electric vehicle battery exchange patent

In the usual manner of a patent submission, Ford outlines numerous potential adaptations that may not be present in the end product if it reaches the market. Ford suggests that the charging stations they've designed could be compatible not only with electric vehicles but also with hybrid models and various kinds of equipment including drones and even unconventional vehicles like submarines or robots. Specifically for cars, situating the substantial weight of the battery packs at a higher point within the vehicle could significantly influence the vehicle's handling and potentially its balance.

Ford touches on the topic of sizable connectors that adjust themselves for the battery modules, providing ample flexibility to simplify the connection process, along with a dual-lock mechanism for securing them firmly. Additionally, Ford proposes that these docking stations could double as charging stations.

Image depicting Ford's patented electric vehicle battery exchange

Like many other inventions that are patented, there's no certainty that Ford will bring its concept of a battery exchange system to the market. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) made the proposal public on May 14, 2024, although Ford initially submitted it in 2018. This raises questions about whether Ford is simply securing the idea or if it has plans to explore its practical implementation.

At present, the Chinese car manufacturer Nio runs an extensive network in China dedicated to exchanging batteries, which involves taking out and fitting in standard battery packs from beneath electric vehicles. They are extending their operations to include Europe and have collaborated with CATL, a Chinese battery producer, for the advancement of battery swapping technology. Additionally, Geely, the company that owns Volvo and Polestar, is also participating in this initiative.

In the United States, the emerging company Ample is focusing on developing battery-swapping technology that can accommodate bigger trucks used for deliveries. Stellantis revealed their intentions to conduct a trial using Ample's technology for battery swapping in the Fiat 500e electric vehicle this past December.

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