Ford is seeking patents roof rails and roof racks can be stowed away when not in use, reducing aerodynamic drag and potentially improving the EV’s fuel economy or range.
These potential aerodynamic enhancements were detailed in separate patent applications published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 11, 2024, and filed by Ford at earlier times.
Patent image of Ford roof rails
A patent application includes Deployable roof rails can pop out of the roof tracks on hinges, then act as an attachment point for cargo racks and other accessories such as the fixed roof rails commonly found on many SUVs.
Another patent application includes a Deployable roof rackAlthough in this case the hardware appears to be specifically designed for pickup trucks. The roof rack would be stored behind the rear wall of the pickup cab, in front of the cargo bed, and would swing up onto the roof when needed.
Ford deployable roof rack patent image
Automakers don’t always commercialize features they patent, and Ford isn’t alone in looking for new ways to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Hyundai has designed a Aerodynamic skirt for electric vehicles that drops in front of the front wheels to reduce drag. The automaker claims the feature can help improved aerodynamic performance of SUVs—the same can be said of Ford’s deployable roof rails.
The need to maximize EV range has arousing the obsession with aerodynamics first seen nearly a century ago, giving rise to the streamlined shape of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Volkswagen ID.7, among others. Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX Concept It has also been shown that greater emphasis on aerodynamics—along with weight reduction—can help significantly. increase EV efficiency.
