In the USA, Ford has patented a roof battery for electric cars. It is supposed to increase the range, but it has a weighty problem.
The electric car is polarizing. More and more drivers are switching, but many are still taking their time because of the high prices and lack of charging facilities. The range is also criticized again and again, but the electric cars are getting further and further. The Zeekr 01 is said to be able to cover a whopping 1,000 kilometers at a time. In the future, Toyota even wants to build cars that can travel up to 1,500 kilometers. And Ford has also taken up the issue and patented an interesting solution. Batteries on the roof of the car.
As a patent from the USA shows, Ford is working on a large reserve battery that is reminiscent of a roof box. With the difference that there is a charging cable at the end of the roof battery. This solution would make it possible for electric cars to be on the road without any problems even in regions and on routes without nationwide charging infrastructure (including some EU countries) for which the previous ranges were not sufficient.
Roof battery communicates wirelessly with electric car
And just like a classic roof box, Ford's reserve battery can also be mounted on the roof before a trip if necessary. After returning home, it can be dismantled just as easily. The electric car can then be conveniently charged again at the home wallbox, a charging station or the normal power grid.
With the extra battery on the roof, electric cars should also be able to drive in regions where there are hardly any charging stations. © United Staters Patent and Trademark Office
Like the car, the roof battery is charged via the existing cable. The energy box contains a control module that can "communicate wirelessly with a communication module of the electric vehicle to control the charging of the traction battery by the backup battery".
Ford patent has a weighty problem
In addition, the developers have provided air ducts on both sides of the box, which are intended to improve the cooling of the batteries. Remotely controlled valves prevent water, cold, or sand from entering the housing and potentially causing damage to the battery.
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The housing shown in the patent application includes a lid and a shell lined with polyurethane foam, so that the temperature is to be controlled for optimal use of the battery. However, the Ford patent has a problem: the heavy weight. Lithium-ion batteries are known to be quite heavy and vehicles with a high center of gravity tend to tip over, especially at high speeds. So you would have to decide whether you prefer to drive a short distance quickly or cover a long distance with the extra battery - but then slower.