Ford opens up its EV patents – but they want paying

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Ford has joined Tesla and Toyota in making their alternative powertrain patents available, but unlike the other two, Ford want paying for access to their technology.

In the last year, both Tesla and Toyota have opened up access to their alternative powertrain patents, with Tesla declaring their EV patents free to use and Toyota doing the same with their hydrogen fuel cell patents (with a few caveats). And now Ford are joining the game of trying to accelerate alternative powertrain development by offering their patents too.

But unlike Tesla and Toyota, Ford want paying.

Ford say that they have 650 patents relating to electric drivetrains as well as a further 1,000 that are pending, which should give companies looking to push the envelope some interesting ideas as a starting point for further development.

Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs, said:

Innovation is our goal. 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.

It’s a noble aim – if a little tainted by the desire by Ford to earn from the opportunity – but with Ford claiming to be a leader in this area, with cars including the Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion plug-in, C-Max Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ hybrid already on the market, there is clearly valuable information to be accessed. Although only one of Ford’s cars – the £33.5k Ford Focus Electric – is a pure EV.

Ford say interested parties should contact their technology commercialisation and licensing office, or they can go through AutoHarvest, the industry innovation and licensing marketplace.