Ford Files Patent for Integrated Heat-Dissipating Skid Plate for Future Electric Vehicles

Ford Motor Company has applied for a patent for an integrated heat-dissipating skid plate, which may be used in future electric vehicles, according to foreign media reports. The patent was submitted on October 19, 2022, and is set to be published on July 15, 2025, with the serial number 12358567. Skid plates are a popular feature in off-road vehicles as they are designed to protect critical components such as the engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank from damage caused by rocks and other objects. The Ford F-150 Lightning, for example, comes standard with skid plates to protect its electric vehicle components, while Ford also offers battery protection kits for the Mustang Mach-E Rally. This newly published patent represents a continuation of that trend, providing a solution for an integrated heat-dissipating skid plate. The skid plate is equipped with a series of cooling channels that serve a dual purpose. These skid plates not only protect the electric vehicle's battery pack from potential damage but also help keep the battery pack cool. This is particularly useful for electric vehicles, as the battery pack needs to operate within a certain temperature range to achieve optimal efficiency. Therefore, these cooling channels can replace traditional devices like heat exchangers, performing the same function without the need for liquids and other components that add weight and complexity. Examples of the patented vehicle include a skid plate designed to be mounted to the vehicle's underside; multiple cooling channels extending longitudinally between the skid plate and the vehicle's underside; and a structural reinforcement extending outward from the skid plate. The skid plate, multiple cooling channels, and structural reinforcement are manufactured as a single integrated structure using additive manufacturing technology. Ford stated, 'Filing a patent application is a routine measure for companies to protect innovative outcomes and build intellectual property systems. The content of patent applications should not be viewed as the basis for business or product planning. Regardless of how the patent is described, we always prioritize customer needs in the development and promotion decisions of new products and services.'