Ford has invented a charging trailer with a rechargeable battery pack solution that can be towed behind a pick-up. The patent was filed on 13 January 2022 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on 13 July 2023, with serial number 0219440.
According to Ford the basic battery pack is a classic lithium-ion configuration, but more advanced batteries can be used to set up the charging unit. The trailer has been designed by a team at Ford Global Technologies in the US.
The mobile trailer provides several charging ports for vehicles. Normally the trailer is towed by a pick-up, but it can also move around by itself using its own electric motors. The movement of the trailer is remote controlled.
Ford said there are many applications for the trailer – for example as a portable charger for construction equipment and tools, for road maintenance crews, as back-up for stranded electric vehicles and as a general utility provider.
Ford engineers explain that as all-electric pick-ups suffer a significant loss of power when hauling heavy loads, the charging trailer is a potential temporary solution for dealing with range until battery technology develops.
The trailer could also potentially charge the EV pulling it. It can be used for other purposes too, to transport goods or even be a caravan.
The motor1.com website reported in June that Ford filed a patent for a roof-mounted battery box. It provides back-up power to EVs in remote locations with limited access to charging.
