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Jeeps are often considered by off road enthusiasts to be one of the most customizable truck brands on the market today. Truck modifications range from custom exterior lighting to interior refrigerators for all of your glamping needs. However, enthusiasts with a new truck in hand typically focus on modifications that can drastically improve upon a stock vehicle’s capabilities. These typically include modifying the suspension, engine, and tires to see the greatest results.
Ford Motor Company, perhaps tired of being outdone by Jeep, 40 years its junior, has traversed some serious terrain in its attempts to lure off road enthusiasts away from familiar waters. After a 25-year hiatus, Ford introduced the 6th generation Bronco which includes some classic Jeep features such as removeable doors and removable tops. However, it appears Ford is looking to not only close its gap with Jeep but is attempting to surpass Jeep in offering trucks with modular capabilities.
Anyone that has followed the electric vehicle (EV) truck industry has undoubtedly heard or read the term “skateboard” as a reference to an EV chassis. The skateboard concept generally refers to a common frame structure that houses the batteries, electric motors, and suspension components. Varying vehicle bodies can then be bolted on top of these standard skateboards which allows for a simpler diversification of EV models. This process simplifies the manufacturing and engineering design processes and is similar to Ford’s early adoption of the same chassis across multiple models in the early 1900’s enabling their iconic assembly line manufacturing.
A recently issued Ford patent (US 11,858,571) may shed some light on how Ford would like to expand upon the skateboard concept. The specification discloses a subframe that can be adjusted in size to receive a range of different battery packs and further discloses additional bolt-on front and rear subframes for housing the electric motors and the suspension components. Interestingly, the specification suggests that these front and rear subframes can be inverted with the removal of just a few bolts, to either raise the ground clearance for EV trucks or inverted to lower the ground clearance for sportier offerings, all using the exact same components. Further, the specification suggests utilizing this universal mounting approach on its skateboard concept to allow for quick electric motor swapping, so the user can quickly upgrade their vehicle through the removal of a few bolts and wire connections. Though embodiments disclosed in patents may not ensure commercialization, this patent can provide insight into the development of this rapidly expanding field.
If some of these features make it to market down the line, the only obstacle left may be convincing the local Ford dealer to make these modifications to your truck.