While Ford’s patent application is somewhat vague about the trailer’s specific purpose, the company suggests it could be used to power construction equipment and machinery, serving as an alternative to traditional electric gasoline generators or their diesel counterparts. However, the potential application of this mobile power bank is very wide and owners of electric vehicles with trailers can go to remote places where charging from stationary electricity sources is not possible.

Features of power bank trailer

According to the patent application, certain configurations of the trailer could include a traction motor, steering wheel and a control system, allowing it to cover short distances autonomously. The energy required for transportation would be supplied from the trailer’s built-in batteries.

However, the practical implementation of this concept requires taking into account the considerable weight of traction batteries. Towing such trailers over long distances can quickly exhaust the range of the main electric vehicle. As a result, a mobile power bank can serve as a backup power source that can be recharged close to the operational site and provides a convenient solution.

car power bank by Ford / Photo by Ford Motor

In addition, many modern electric cars already support connecting powerful external devices to the on-board network, and on-board inverters can meet the needs of most consumers.

Ford’s patent application does not necessarily mean that the company will develop such a device. At the very least, it has to first address a number of obvious issues with the product it describes. At the same time, such a device can be a good source of energy savings in the event of a power outage.