A lot of Ford patent filings not too long ago surfaced detailing potential new options for electric-vehicle frunks.

One patent utility is for a unique methodology of opening and shutting the frunk. Within the F-150 Lightning, the opening mechanism is just like the hood in gasoline F-150 vans. The model described within the patent utility features a body and two panels, which might be opened collectively or individually. It is just like the split-opening tailgate of frunks. As soon as the frunk is opened, one other patent utility discusses permitting a piece to rotate up and away from the bottom to offer extra headroom.

Ford frunk movable platform patent picture

Two extra patent functions take care of mounting a show display screen within the frunk. In a single utility, Ford proposes a movable display screen that rises up when in use after which retracts, releasing up house for carrying cargo. Within the second utility, Ford proposes attaching the display screen to the within of the frunk lid, so house owners would doubtlessly have to hold the display screen from the open frunk lid whereas parked after which take away and stow it when it is time to drive away.

Different patent functions cowl wi-fi system charging and climate-controlled storage, basically enlarging the wireless-charging pads and cooled storage bins and gloveboxes already seen in some manufacturing autos.

Ford frunk local weather managed storage patent picture

Lastly, two extra patent functions talk about frunk-mounted movable work surfaces. In a single utility, this takes the type of a table-like floor that unfolds from contained in the frunk. The opposite utility describes a extra elaborate movable platform that slides out from the frunk.

There is no assure that any of those concepts will see manufacturing. However the entire drawings included with these functions present pickup vans, and Ford does have a brand new electrical pickup in growth. Scheduled to debut in 2025 and codenamed T3, the brand new truck might be primarily based on a devoted EV platform, not like the Lightning, which shares underpinnings with the gasoline F-150. Ford CEO Jim Farley has referred to as the T3 the “Millennium Falcon of vans,” so it is more likely to have some attention-grabbing options.