[RahulNagaraj]

According to a media report, Ford has filed a patent application for a roof-mounted battery system for its EVs. The new battery system could act as a backup, designed to power the car while being off-grid.

As per the patent, the system houses multiple battery modules, a backup battery assembly, a cord and a connection port mounted atop the roof rack. Drivers can use the cord from the roof-mounted battery system and plug it directly into the EV's charging port to charge its batteries.



The battery system itself is removable, while the roof rack is flexible and capable of transporting other items as well. Ford also mentioned that the roof-mounted battery system can be sold as an aftermarket item. It can also be leased or rented whenever required.

Another small detail in the images of the roof-mounted battery system was what looked like a Ford Bronco, which has also led to its own speculations.

Source: Electrek

Link to Team-BHP news

[BullettuPaandi]

This looks all sorts of wrong, except maybe for dead-straight highways. Such a heavy weight on so top, especially on already tall vehicles!? Even for off-roading won't the weight have enough leverage on the suspension to impair handling?

[Dry Ice]

It was inevitable I guess.

First we put batteries in cars, and now we have a powerbank for it!

[ramji_or]

Looking at this, there are a bunch of critical questions pops into our brains straightway,

1. What happens to the centre of gravity of the vehicle and how will it impact the vehicle stability?
2. Passenger cabin sandwich' ed between the batteries on the floor and the roof, Will this design melt people like cheese on a hot sandwich, when involved in an accident?
3. The difference in suspension tune required to satisfy when this accessory is attached to the vehicle and when it is not, is going to be huge. How is it going to be handled?
4. A high-voltage electric cord dangling out of the roof, really?

[ZenMaster]

I think these are just idea patents, it doesn't mean they are going to make it a real thing.

This is so that nobody else patents this idea in their name in case this becomes a reality.

If batteries are light enough, then I don't see why this can't be a solution.

[BlueFyre]

Contrary to the critics, from what I understand it seems Ford are trying to develop a powerbank sort of thing that works for a car. It may be rented from one station, used on the go to charge the battery pack and then return to a different location and carry on. This model may be a successful one especially on highways where one doesn’t need to stop at a charging station, wait for a slot in queue, charge the car for a while and then continue. Well it seems Ford are looking for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist but may be just may be this idea can open up a plethora of new opportunities in the EV sector.