Ford has filed a patent application for a magnetic EV charger that allows drivers to charge without having to get out of their car.
The application, filed November 1, 2022 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), shows how EV charging could be more automated, eliminating the need to physically connect a cable, saving time and effort.
Ford Magnetic EV Charger patent image
In addition to a traditional charging port, Ford is proposing to equip EVs (and plug-in hybrids) with a second port in the bumper. To charge, the vehicle is maneuvered to align this connector with a charger, both of which would have magnets to secure the connection.
This would be a form of conductive charging with a physical connection between the vehicle and charging station, rather than inductive wireless charging, where power is transmitted through an air gap, Ford noted in the filing, adding that this hardware could be configured for AC or DC power load.
Ford Magnetic EV Charger patent image
To aid in aligning the vehicle with the charger, the application also requires a degree of articulation to allow connection to the charger “as long as the driver is reasonably close”. Given the charging port’s bumper-mounted location, this sounds a bit like reversing to hitch a trailer, which Ford has already attempted to take the guesswork out of with its Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist systems.
As with all new car technology, the appearance of a patent application does not confirm intent to produce. However, Ford isn’t the first automaker to try to eliminate charging cables. Ram unveiled an inductive charging robot alongside its Revolution BEV electric truck concept, while Tesla showed off a somewhat disturbing robotic charger prototype in 2015. General Motors hasn’t revealed anything similar, but is attempting to patent two charging ports for added power flexibility.
