Summary
- Ford is looking at ways to make electric vehicle battery packs easier to repair
- A patent filing details how battery modules could be replaced without removing the entire pack from the vehicle
- Retaining the common layout of a battery pack mounted under the floor with multiple modules is discussed
- Mention of immersion cooling, a new idea in EV development to directly cool battery components
- Other automakers are considering different cooling systems and physical configurations for battery packs
Article
Ford has filed a patent indicating their interest in making electric vehicle battery packs easier to repair, especially as their cooling systems become more advanced. The patent describes a method for replacing battery modules without having to remove the entire pack from the vehicle, potentially reducing repair costs and environmental impact by allowing some packs to be rehabbed with new modules rather than replaced. The design retains a common layout of a battery pack mounted under the floor, with multiple modules containing multiple battery cells. Electrical terminals with removable caps and spring-loaded connectors would allow for easy removal of modules.
The patent filing also discusses the use of immersion cooling, where battery components are cooled by a non-conductive fluid that won’t cause electrical shorts. This is a new concept in electric vehicle development, as most modern EVs with liquid cooling use coolant outside modules or with a cooling plate, requiring additional hardware that complicates access to battery modules. Other automakers, such as Mercedes-Benz, are considering air-cooling as an alternative, while General Motors is exploring different cell arrangements to maximize cooling and Canoo is designing a structural battery pack with interconnected modules and cooling system.
Rimac is one of the few companies that have detailed a true immersion cooling system that thermally conditions each cell at multiple points, potentially giving Ford an edge over competitors like Tesla. By bringing this technology to the mass market, Ford may be able to stay ahead of the competition in the electric vehicle industry. The patent filing highlights Ford’s commitment to innovation and staying at the forefront of electric vehicle technology. With advancements in battery pack design and cooling systems, Ford aims to make repairs easier and more cost-effective for electric vehicle owners.
The move towards making electric vehicle battery packs easier to repair aligns with Ford’s broader sustainability goals and commitment to environmental stewardship. By allowing for the replacement of individual battery modules rather than the entire pack, Ford is reducing waste and promoting a more eco-friendly approach to electric vehicle maintenance. This strategy also has the potential to lower repair costs for consumers, making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable in the long run.
Overall, Ford’s patent filing represents a step forward in the electric vehicle industry by focusing on innovative solutions for battery pack repair and maintenance. By exploring new cooling systems like immersion cooling and alternative cell arrangements, Ford is positioning itself as a leader in the field of electric vehicle technology. As the industry continues to evolve, Ford’s commitment to sustainability and innovation will likely drive further advancements in electric vehicle design and maintenance, ultimately benefiting both consumers and the environment. With potential cost savings and reduced environmental impact, Ford’s efforts to make electric vehicle battery packs easier to repair are a positive development for the future of electric mobility.
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