Ford Patents a Folding Rooftop Tent for Electric Pickups
By 2027, Ford plans to release an affordable electric pickup that will be part of a new lineup of budget-friendly electric vehicles. Although the automaker has so far only shown a silhouette of the future model, recently published patent drawings may reveal one of its interesting accessories – a folding rooftop tent.
The system described in the patent allows the tent to be deployed over the cab and the pickup’s cargo bed, and in the folded state, it retracts into a special module. This solution does not interfere with using the entire volume of the body for cargo.
The patent, titled “Shelter System With Deployable Platform,” was filed in February 2024 and published last week.
Advantages of an Integrated Tent
Unlike traditional rooftop tents, this system could improve the pickup’s aerodynamic characteristics, which is especially important for electric vehicles. When deployed, the tent provides enough space for two adults, and in the rear section, one can even stand at full height.
The design of the pickup in the drawings is also noteworthy – vertical headlights and a streamlined roofline could become characteristic features of future Ford electric models. However, it is still unclear whether this is a real future pickup or just a concept for the patent application.
The innovative approach to camping equipment could find application not only on electric pickups but also on models such as the Maverick, Ranger, or next-generation F-150. Automakers are paying increasing attention to the multifunctionality of trucks, especially in the context of active recreation. Ford’s development demonstrates how technologies can combine practicality with increased vehicle efficiency.