Ford Patents Power Outlet on Roof Rail
Ford filed a patent application for a power outlet integrated into the roof rail of an automobile.
The application, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on January 12, 2021 and published on July 14, 2022, describes a fairly simple setup. A power outlet is added to the roof rail, protected by a removable cover, and connected to the power supply in the vehicle.
Ford seems to think this is a good feature for tailgating and camping. The automaker suggests that connecting everything from smartphones and laptops to portable heaters and lights to the roof rails could make outdoor gatherings more comfortable.
The continued rise of hybrids and EVs will increase the use of automobiles to power electronic devices. Ford already has outlets built into the bed of the PowerBoost hybrid and all-electric Lightning versions of its F-150 pickup truck, and claims that the Lightning can also charge other EVs and provide emergency backup power for home use They claim that the Lightning can also charge other EVs and provide emergency backup power for home use.
Other automakers are also offering ways to power their devices. Mitsubishi has long included this feature in its Outlander plug-in hybrid, and Hyundai has included it as part of its E-GMP, a dedicated EV platform. So far, however, no automaker has installed electrical outlets on the roof rails of production vehicles. [Automakers often file patents to protect their intellectual property before production plans take shape. However, Ford's recently filed patent for a remote engine rotation feature has been adopted as a production feature for the 2024 Mustang. Stay tuned.
