Automakers typically focus on modular architectures that can be utilized for a number of fashions, however a newly surfaced Ford patent submitting takes the idea of modularity to a different stage.

The applying, which was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Jan. 2, and initially filed on Apr. 28, 2021, basically describes constructing an EV like a life-size mannequin equipment.

Meeting would begin with a subframe constructed across the car’s battery pack, with adjustable crossmembers and facet rails to accommodate completely different fashions and their distinctive dimensions. Extra entrance and rear subframes with motors, suspension parts, and wheels may then be bolted to the ends of this meeting.

Lastly, a physique is bolted on high of the rolling chassis. Ford makes use of an F-Sequence Tremendous Obligation because the illustration within the patent software, however claims this methodology could possibly be utilized to a variety of completely different car varieties.

Ford modular chassis patent picture

The thought of an entire chassis with swappable our bodies goes again to Common Motors’ Autonomy and Hy-Wire idea vehicles of the early 2000s. And EV startup Canoo has designed a full “skateboard” chassis it goals to make use of for electrical vans and presumably pickups. However Ford is proposing further components to additional differentiate EV fashions.

The automaker means that wheel and suspension assemblies could possibly be inverted to lift floor clearance for pickup vans and SUVs, or lowered for sports activities vehicles. And the automaker discusses “efficiency packages” with completely different motors that may be simply swapped because of common mounting {hardware}.

It is unclear if Ford will put any of those concepts into follow. Automakers do not all the time use the engineering work they patent on manufacturing automobiles, in spite of everything. And one thing as radical as this could doubtless require large modifications at meeting crops, suppliers, and presumably crash buildings.