Photo: Ford
Ford's rivals will benefit from the Blue Oval's EV know-how thanks to hundreds of patents on electric-car technology, proof that 'sharing is caring' can be successfully applied in the auto empire.
Just like Tesla Motors did some time ago, Ford wants to amp up the electric trend and the development of electric vehicles by licensing EV patents. But for a fee, not for free like Tesla did.
"Innovation is our goal. The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers,” explained Kevin Layden, Director of Ford electrification programs.
Leaving the PR work aside, let's have a look at what is Ford actually offering to the world. All in all, Ford already has around 600 patents plus another 1,000 pending applications concerning their hybrid and plug-in expertise.
Simply put, rivals will be able to buy intel on battery run time and overall life, solutions to increase the amount of energy recaptured by regenerative braking, and a feature that records and evaluates driving styles and provides feedback on how to lower fuel consumption.
You also need to know that this initiative didn't show up overnight, as 400 patents were filed in 2014. Ford are also looking to the future and explore the possibility of hiring around 200 EV-specialised engineers to accelerate research work.
At his moment, Ford is leading the pack in the green department offering both hybrids or all-electric cars, including the Ford Focus Electric, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, Ford C-Max hybrid, Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and the Lincoln MKZ hybrid.
"Innovation is our goal. The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers,” explained Kevin Layden, Director of Ford electrification programs.
Leaving the PR work aside, let's have a look at what is Ford actually offering to the world. All in all, Ford already has around 600 patents plus another 1,000 pending applications concerning their hybrid and plug-in expertise.
Simply put, rivals will be able to buy intel on battery run time and overall life, solutions to increase the amount of energy recaptured by regenerative braking, and a feature that records and evaluates driving styles and provides feedback on how to lower fuel consumption.
You also need to know that this initiative didn't show up overnight, as 400 patents were filed in 2014. Ford are also looking to the future and explore the possibility of hiring around 200 EV-specialised engineers to accelerate research work.
At his moment, Ford is leading the pack in the green department offering both hybrids or all-electric cars, including the Ford Focus Electric, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, Ford C-Max hybrid, Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and the Lincoln MKZ hybrid.
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