Major car brand considers adding full-size TV screens into future EVs amid plans to turn dashboards into desks
A MAJOR car brand has drawn up plans to add full-size TV screens into future EV’s.
Ford, who are keen to bolster their creative designs, have also considered turning dashboards into desks in an attempt to battle the issues around charging wait times.
Patent drawings rustled up by the American manufacturer reveal how they are looking to optimise the front boot usage in electric vehicles.
With no engine required, Ford are keen to make use of all the left over space.
The diagrams, which were revealed by Top Gear, show a “frunk” workspace complete with standing desk, a frunk table and a frunk work station where tools can be attached.
The most eye-catching of the lot, however, is a retractable frunk screen, where a projector could be attached to the edge of the bonnet.
The progressive plans are Ford’s answer to dealing with long wait times when charging up their EV’s.
While the company are particularly proud of their Mustang-styled electric SUV and F-150 Lightning electric truck, it’s no secret that charging times are painfully long.
Last year, for example, a pair of social media stars who drove a £43,000 Ford Mustang EV 1,000 miles found that it added hours on to their journey.
They came across their first issue at the first charging station they found, where the “fast-charging” point capable of charging at 150Kw per hour only charged at 10Kw per hour.
At this speed, it could take more than seven hours to fill the car’s battery from empty.
Ford are now hoping that the inclusion of a table, work station and, of course, a retractable full-size TV screen will make things more bearable for drivers.
It isn’t just the frunk where adaptations can be made, however, with Ford also considering the inclusion of fold-out panels and tracks built into the dashboard to create a pop-out workspace.
In one of the proposed configurations first revealed by Motor Authority, the steering wheel would fold down, with the desk taking its spot just ahead of the instrument cluster.
The application also shows a version of the desk that deploys from the centre console, with a leg to keep it steady.
The desk could also deploy from the passenger’s side of the dashboard.
If they decide to implement one of these strategies, Ford still intends to preserve interior space when the desk isn’t being used.
It comes as Ford considers restricting the production of combustion motors in the UK to increase EV sales and avoid significant fines.
Martin Sander, general manager of Ford’s European Electric Car Division, warned against the UK government’s new EV rules launched this year – and highlighted the issues it’ll pose for car brands.
And Ford’s Transit boss has revealed why it’s the van’s biggest year ever as six new models launch.
Every size of Transit is getting some love this year and there are now eight types of Ranger pick-up truck.
