Ford patents magnetic charger for electric cars.

Ford has filed a patent application for a magnetic EV charger that allows drivers to charge their vehicles without getting out of the car. [The application, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on November 1, 2022, shows that EV charging can be made more automated, eliminating the need to physically plug in cables and saving time and effort.

Ford proposes to install a second port on the bumper of EVs (and plug-in hybrids) in addition to the traditional charging port. To charge, the vehicle would be maneuvered to align this port with the charger, and both would be secured to the connection with magnets.

Ford noted in its application that this is a form of conductive charging, where there is a physical connection between the vehicle and the charge, rather than inductive wireless charging, where electricity is transmitted through an air gap, adding that this hardware can be configured for AC or DC charging.

To facilitate alignment of the vehicle and charger, the application also calls for some articulation to allow the driver to connect "as close as reasonably possible" to the charger. Given that the charging port is bumper mounted, this is like backing up to hitch up a trailer, and Ford is already trying to eliminate guesswork with the Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist systems

Ford has already taken out the guesswork with its Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist systems.

As with all new vehicle technology, the appearance of a patent application does not confirm production intent. However, Ford is not the first automaker to try to eliminate charging cables. Ram unveiled an inductive charging robot along with its Revolution BEV electric truck concept, and Tesla showed off a somewhat curious robot charger prototype in 2015. General Motors has not revealed anything comparable, but is about to patent a dual charging port for greater energy flexibility.