Toronto, Ontario — Ford has released a patent application for a preemptive charging alert system that would notify drivers if an energy price hike is imminent or if there will be a blackout.
The patent, which was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and published on November 12, 2024, specifically notes that the technology system would use “weather-related data and/or grid-related data (to) predict the likelihood of power disruption conditions of a grid power source.”
The patent further suggests that these preemptive alerts would be integrated with a driver’s phone, providing them with real-time information on nearby charging systems and updated rates.
Ultimately, while there is no guarantee that this patent will ever make it to the development stage, the idea is a potential quality of life update for those with electric vehicles who rely on public charging infrastructure.
