Ford files patent for charger object warning system

Ford Motor Company has recently filed a patent for a charger object warning system, which could be incorporated into its future electric vehicles (EVs).

The patent, submitted on June 2, 2022, and published on February 11, 2025, under serial number 12223727, adds to Ford's growing list of innovations in EV charging technology. In recent months, the company has also patented systems for monitoring charger success, providing real-time third-party charger information, and enabling charger reservations. This latest development continues Ford’s efforts to enhance EV charging experiences.

As the number of EVs on the road increases, the demand for charging stations will also rise. While existing technology allows users to locate charging stations, check pricing, and view charger availability, it does not always account for physical obstructions. This patent aims to address such issues by identifying objects that may block or hinder charger use.

For instance, an EV charger stall might be occupied by a non-electric vehicle, a traffic cone signaling a malfunctioning charger, or other obstructions that render the station unusable. Ford’s proposed system would utilize various sensors to detect these objects and communicate the information to EVs, potentially improving charging efficiency and accessibility.

Commenting on the patent, Ford stated, “Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property. The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”

If implemented, this technology could enhance the EV charging experience by providing more accurate and reliable information about charger availability.