As electric vehicles continue to expand into truck and towing territory, automakers are looking for new ways to solve one of the biggest challenges EV owners face while hauling loads. A recently published Ford patent highlights a potential solution by outlining a system that could intelligently coordinate torque and energy use between an electric vehicle and an electric trailer.

Electric trailers are gaining attention because they can carry their own battery packs, helping offset the range loss that often occurs while towing. However, managing two separate energy sources introduces new complexity, particularly when it comes to thermal management, weight distribution, and ensuring enough charge remains to reach a destination. Ford’s proposed system aims to simplify that process.

According to the patent, the vehicle would monitor both its own state of charge and that of the trailer, along with the combined weight of the setup. Using that information, the system could calculate how energy should be distributed between the vehicle and the trailer to maintain optimal performance and efficiency throughout the trip.

If the system determines that available energy may not be sufficient to reach the destination, it could automatically shift power between the vehicle and the trailer to maximize range. This type of coordination could reduce driver stress and make EV towing more predictable, especially for longer trips or heavier loads.

While this technology remains a concept for now, it reflects Ford’s ongoing focus on practical EV solutions that support real-world use cases. As electric trailers continue to evolve, systems like this could play a key role in making electric towing more accessible and appealing for truck and SUV owners alike.