Ford makes EV patents available to competitors

In an attempt to accelerate research and development, Ford has made over 650 electric and hybrid vehicle patents available to competitors.

Ford is the third manufacturer to share alternative drivetrain technology, with Toyota making it’s hydrogen fuel cell technology available in January and Tesla sharing its electric vehicle patents last July.

The manufacturer filed over 400 electric patents last year, and currently has six hybrid vehicles available in North American, including the Lincoln MKZ and Focus Electric.

Director of Ford Electrification Programs Kevin Layden said: “As an industry, we need to collaborate while we continue to challenge each other. By sharing ideas, companies can solve bigger challenges and help improve the industry.

“The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers.”