Ford Patent Filed For Range Extended Electric Vehicle

Ford Patent Filed For Range Extended Electric Vehicle

Posted on January 11, 2025

Ford Motor Company has recently filed a patent that may shape the future of extended range electric vehicles (EREVs) in its lineup. The patent, filed in May 2023 and published in November 2024, details Ford's exploration into a new EREV system that combines a large battery pack with a gas engine and generator. This setup aims to provide more range flexibility than traditional plug-in hybrids, allowing for longer trips without relying solely on electric power. Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously hinted at the potential benefits of EREVs, and the concept seems to be gaining traction, especially as the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger prepares to enter the market with similar technology.

The core of Ford’s EREV system lies in its innovative use of a power split transmission and dual motors. In this design, one motor is dedicated to generating power for the battery, while the other drives the wheels. Under regular conditions, the motor driving the wheels powers the vehicle. However, when extended range is needed, the system can automatically switch modes, enabling the generator motor to provide additional power to the battery while the vehicle is in motion.

This unique approach is Ford’s way of ensuring continuous power without depending solely on electric charging stations, which can be limiting on long-distance journeys. By using the generator motor to recharge the battery, Ford’s proposed EREV setup allows drivers to cover more miles while minimizing the need to stop and recharge. This design also differs from conventional hybrids by focusing on the battery as the primary source of power, with the gas engine acting as a backup generator rather than the main propulsion source.

While EREVs are not a new concept, Ford’s method of implementing this technology reflects a serious commitment to exploring alternative solutions for extended-range driving. This patent suggests that Ford is actively considering the EREV as a viable addition to its vehicle lineup, offering a solution that bridges the gap between all-electric and hybrid vehicles as the industry awaits advancements in battery technology.