American automaker Ford has reportedly submitted an application for an electric car‘s “burnout mode” to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
For those wondering, the technology would enable EVs to smoke either their front, rear or all four tires. However, smoking the tires simultaneously is currently not attainable.
Ford’s filings
The application is titled “Electrified vehicle performance mode with intentional wheel spin for tire heating.” The USPTO released the document on March 2, following Ford’s application on August 20, 2021.
Objective
The system is apparently developed to “provide intentional wheel spin to heat the vehicle’s tyres.” Simply put, a “burnout.”
Remarkably, it produces more traction, allowing an EV to accelerate more quickly.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV is seen in images included with the patent application. The EV completes a burnout with its rear tires while the front wheels are locked in position.
Drive reports that this system is widely referred to as the “Line Lock,” which was already offered on the V8-powered Ford Mustang Mach-E in the US in 2014. Ever since its 2022 Model Year upgrade, it has apparently been incorporated into every muscle car delivered to Australia.
Interestingly, the filings also noted an “equential maneuver that spins the tires of the first axle followed by the tires of the second axle.” As mentioned, it can allow for 4-wheel burnouts, but not at the same time.
What makes Ford’s system unique?
Ford’s electric-car burnout system has a reversible function. As a result, its power can also be directed to the front tires. This function can make them spin while the rear axle remains still and holds the EV in place.
Interestingly, the patent filings state that Ford drivers could not use the technology on public roads. Instead, they can only do so on a closed course or a race track. The file also noted that it is available as a tire heating function in a menu.
See Also:
- Ford teases the impending launch of a new electric vehicle in Europe
- 2023 Ford F-150 – Review, Pricing, and Specification
- Ford E-Transit year one: 745,000 gallons of gas saved/12M miles, 57% CO2 reduction
- Australia’s EV market is growing with more affordable models
- BYD purchasing Ford factories shows EV shift and overcapacity
Furthermore, Ford highlighted in its patent filing that its burnout system is “achievable with existing hardware in various vehicles via a software or programming update.” That said, the system will most likely be available for Ford Mustang Mach-E models. However, we cannot say for sure as the automaker has yet to announce the production details of the said technology.
