Ford recently filed a new patent application for the development of hardware that would enable electric vehicles (EVs) to charge while driving. This new patent filing was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on August 15, after being submitted earlier in the same year. The patent deals with a method for aligning wireless inductive charging coils mounted on an EV with those embedded in the road surface.
One key aspect of wireless inductive charging is the transmission of electricity through two sets of coils, with the road-embedded coils connected to a power source. However, the efficiency of this process is heavily reliant on how closely the vehicle is aligned with the row of coils in the road surface. Ford’s new patent aims to find ways to achieve precise alignment beyond simply having the driver steer to maintain a consistent course over the coils.
### Subtitle 1: Ground-penetrating Radar for Coil Tracking
Ford previously discussed the idea of wireless charging in a patent published by the USPTO in 2023. However, this time around, the automaker is focusing more on the use of ground-penetrating radar to help the vehicle track the coils. This radar technology could not only locate the coils but also assess their condition. If any coils are found to be inoperable, the system could alert the driver to switch lanes and potentially notify maintenance crews.
### Subtitle 2: Inter-Vehicle Communication for Charging Optimization
Ford’s new patent application also mentions the possibility of vehicles communicating with each other. They could potentially negotiate the use of certain lanes based on their state of charge, allowing for optimized charging efficiency. This communication system could be particularly useful in crowded or congested areas where multiple vehicles are using the same charging infrastructure.
### Subtitle 3: Manual and Automated Alignment Options
The patent application suggests that drivers could manually steer their vehicles over the charging coils, with guidance information displayed through a head-up display or another interface. However, Ford also proposes various levels of automation for the process. Feedback similar to active lane control systems could assist in steering the car in the correct direction, or hands-free driving systems like Ford’s BlueCruise could take over the task completely.
### Subtitle 4: Potential Impact on Electric Vehicle Industry
While it remains uncertain if Ford’s system will be implemented on a large scale, the advancement of inductive wireless charging technology is making strides in competition with traditional charge ports, connectors, and cables. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize electric vehicles in the same way that wireless connectivity transformed smartphones.
In conclusion, Ford’s new patent application for in-road wireless EV charging showcases the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions. By focusing on precise alignment, radar tracking, inter-vehicle communication, and automation options, Ford is positioning itself at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry’s evolution towards wireless charging technology. If successful, this innovation could have a significant impact on the future of electric vehicles and the automotive industry as a whole.