Automakers typically talk about 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 degree.

The applying, which was printed by the USA 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 package.

Meeting would begin with a subframe constructed across the automobile’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 elements, and wheels may then be bolted to the ends of this meeting.

Lastly, a physique is bolted on prime of the rolling chassis. Ford makes use of an F-Collection Tremendous Responsibility because the illustration within the patent utility, however claims this methodology might be utilized to plenty of completely different automobile varieties.

Ford modular chassis patent picture

The concept of an entire chassis with swappable our bodies goes again to Basic 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 probably pickups. However Ford is proposing extra parts to additional differentiate EV fashions.

The automaker means that wheel and suspension assemblies might be inverted to boost floor clearance for pickup vehicles 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 at all times use the engineering work they patent on manufacturing automobiles, in any case. And one thing as radical as this is able to seemingly require huge adjustments at meeting crops, suppliers, and probably crash buildings.