Ford has submitted one other patent software for a pickup truck midgate, with extra variations on the design of a characteristic usually related to rival Normal Motors.
The primary patent software appeared earlier this yr, displaying a design just like what GM has used beforehand. This second patent—printed by the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) September 17 however initially filed in 2020—reveals two alternate options which can be a bit extra elaborate.
Ford midgate patent picture (September 2024)
In a single model, the panel separating the mattress from the cab flips up, creating an area that permits longer gadgets to increase from the mattress into the cab in typical midgate style. Nonetheless, the panel additionally mounts flush with the mattress rails to create a flat work floor full with energy retailers.
Ford additionally dreamed up a gullwing-like association the place each the rear wall of the cab and the rear window flip upwards, forming a cover over the mattress. Or your complete truck might then be encased in a tent for tenting, with each the cab and mattress serving as enclosed dwelling house, Ford suggests.
Ford midgate patent picture (September 2024)
Both setup could be very totally different from the midgates provided to this point by GM, which launched the concept within the early 2000s on the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT—two autos that tried to separate the totally different between pickup and SUV with their midgates. GM introduced it again for electrical pickups, together with the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV, based mostly on its Ultium structure.
Ford’s personal next-generation electrical truck has been delayed, ostensibly so the automaker can deal with hybrids and cheaper EVs, however that does not rule out use of a midgate on one other mannequin. Precisely what mannequin that could be stays to be seen.
