Ford Patent Filed For Fleet Storage Management System

Ford Patent Filed For Fleet Storage Management System

Posted on December 31, 2024

Ford has filed a patent for an innovative fleet storage management system aimed at optimizing the way electric vehicles (EVs) are parked and stored in commercial fleets. This system, which was filed in December 2022 and published in November 2024, could enhance fleet operations by managing the complex needs of EVs in a commercial environment.

The concept behind the system revolves around better managing the parking and charging of fleet vehicles, particularly EVs, to maximize efficiency. Commercial EVs serve a variety of purposes, such as delivery and hauling, and are often exposed to different climates, which can impact battery performance. Factors like extreme temperatures can cause battery degradation and limit range, and while battery preconditioning can help in cold weather, it isn't always possible in all conditions.

Ford’s proposed fleet storage management system seeks to address these challenges by improving how vehicles are allocated within a parking facility. By analyzing the vehicles' state of charge and other variables, the system can recommend the most optimal parking spots for each vehicle. This would ensure that EVs are charged and ready to go when needed, without requiring preconditioning, and would minimize downtime.

This innovation is part of Ford’s ongoing push to strengthen its Ford Pro commercial division, which has been a significant source of profit for the automaker. Ford has already made strides in the fleet management sector, offering software solutions that help businesses efficiently manage their vehicles. This new patent aligns with that strategy by further enhancing fleet operations and contributing to the growing presence of commercial EVs in the market.