Ford patents removable range extender
Ford has patented a removable range extender resembling a toolbox for an electric ute.
It’s reported to be a generator, recharging the EV’s battery using a small motor and could be included in the planned Ford F-150 electric.
The portable range extender is expected to ease range anxiety.
saw the patent, submitted to the United States Trademark and Patent Office in April of 2018 and published on September 15, 2020.
Its illustrations show a removable range extender that sits in the ute bed and resembles a toolbox. Inside the device would be a small motor, fuel tank, exhaust system, and electronics needed to hook it up to an electric ute.
The generator is adapted to selectively supply power for either charging an EV’s battery pack or for propelling one or more vehicle drive wheels.
The system would work similarly to the range extender found in the BMW i3. A small motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery of the vehicle to limit the need for charging.
It’s expected to be useful in areas where charging might not be readily available.
As The Drive
explains, the small engine needed for this type of system isn’t available from Ford. The BMW i3 uses a 650cc twin-cylinder scooter motor.
Ford may have to use another manufacturer’s motor or build its own, and The Drive says a range-extender like this could be fuelled by diesel, a high-alcohol gasoline mixture like E85, or even a hydrogen fuel cell.
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