Ford plotting burnout mode for EVs
Line lock coming to Ford electric cars to help owners ‘heat’ the tyres before performance drivingFord has been caught replicating the Ford Mustang’s ‘line lock’ burnout mode for battery-electric cars, filing a patent application for the new technology.
Lodged with the United States Patent Application Publication on March 2, the new technology as described in the documents was developed for “intentional wheel spin for tyre heating”.
Replicating what Ford has already developed for its combustion-powered Ford Mustang, the tech provides a braking force on the front axle while applying torque to the second set of wheels.
Claimed to pre-heat the tyres for better traction for performance driving, the patent also admits spinning the rear wheels may also provide a “visual display of power” for owners – but only on a closed course, racetrack or as part of a special controlled event.
Interestingly, for those who plan to use their future Ford EV for drag racing, engineers have invented a special setting for dual-motor powertrains that can spin up the rear wheels first and then smoke the front tyres in quick succession for maximum heat and optimum traction off the line.
Like the Mustang’s line lock, the driver will need to unlock the feature via the infotainment system. Once engaged, the patent suggests the front axle will have its motor decoupled and brakes applied while the rear motor spools up the rear wheels.
To activate line lock, the driver will most likely need to depress the brake pedal with their left foot and apply the throttle with their right foot.
The obvious candidate for the first application of the technology would be a high-performance version of the Blue Oval’s current Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Since the tech is mainly software-based, it’s expected to be easier to remove it for markets like Australia where the line lock feature is said to conflict with anti-hooning laws.
That said, Australian Ford owners might be able to unlock the feature in the future if the car detects that it is in the safe confines of a racetrack and not in a Bunnings car park.
Related: Australia set to miss out (again) on Mustang line-lock feature
Related: Introducing Line Lock for the 2015 Ford Mustang GT
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