Charge Your EV While Driving? A Legacy Automaker's Patent Aims To Make It A Reality

With increased customer demand and lower costs, more traditional automakers are making the transition from internal-combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).

Companies are looking to win over customers with higher range and faster charging times.

What Happened: Ford Motor Company F saw second quarter revenue for its Model E division increase 39% year-over-year to $1.8 billion.

“The shift to powerful digital experiences and breakthrough EVs is underway and going to be volatile, so being able to guide customers through and adapt to the pace of adoption are big advantages for us,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said at the time.

A new patent from Ford shows the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker could be trying something new when it comes to charging EVs.

First shared by Green Car Reports, Ford filed a patent for “Roadway Charging Coil Alignment” in January 2022. The patent was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on July 20.

The patent calls for wireless charging for movie vehicles, known as dynamic wireless charging. Ford would charge vehicles by using charging coils on a road surface.

“The invention optimizes induction coupling between vehicle-mounted receiving coils and roadway-embedded transmission coils in order to maximize a vehicle charging rate while driving at speed on a roadway,” the patent filing says, as shared by InsideEVs.

Related Link: Ford's Subscription Strategy - How A Former Apple And Tesla Employee Is Changing The Game

Why It’s Important: The patent comes as EV charging remains a hot topic within the sector.

Ford is one of many companies partnering with Elon Musk-led Tesla Inc TSLA, which gives it access to over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in the U.S. and Canada beginning in early 2024.

Beginning in 2025, Ford will offer next-generation EVs with the North American Charging Standard connector built-in, eliminating the need for an adapter to access Tesla Superchargers.

Patents filed and received don’t always lead to the creation of new products or technology.

Green Car Reports shared that several other companies have experimented with dynamic charging, but it has yet to become a reality.

Benzinga previously reported in 2021 that the state of Michigan was exploring creating a stretch of road that could charge an EV as you drive.

“We’re building out our charging infrastructure and we’re going to serve as the best new road trip for electric vehicle owners in America, charting a route around West Michigan with reliable charging options,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said at the time.

News of the patent filing by Ford follows several recent patents landed by the automaker, including one for drones that would deliver jumper cables to drivers in need.

Read Next: California Adds $2,000 EV Credit For Residents: Here's How Much You Can Save Now 

Image: Pixabay