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 Basic Motors.
The primary patent software appeared earlier this 12 months, displaying a design much like what GM has used beforehand. This second patent—printed by america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) September 17 however initially filed in 2020—exhibits two alternate options which might 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 enables longer gadgets to increase from the mattress into the cab in typical midgate vogue. Nevertheless, the panel additionally mounts flush with the mattress rails to create a flat work floor full with energy shops.
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 the complete truck might then be encased in a tent for tenting, with each the cab and mattress serving as enclosed dwelling area, Ford suggests.
Ford midgate patent picture (September 2024)
Both setup can be very completely different from the midgates supplied thus far by GM, which launched the thought within the early 2000s on the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT—two automobiles that tried to separate the completely 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 give attention to hybrids and cheaper EVs, however that does not rule out use of a midgate on one other mannequin. Precisely what mannequin that may be stays to be seen.
