Ford Patent Filing Points to Fathom Electric Truck Front Trunk With TV Housing
TechRadar reports Ford has patented a multi-use front trunk design, including a fold-out TV-housing tailgate, for an EV pickup believed to be the 2027 Fathom.
The patent, reported by TechRadar citing Electrek, includes diagrams showing a fold-out, tailgate-style area at the front of an unnamed vehicle that is believed to be the Fathom. The design takes advantage of an electric vehicle's lack of a traditional engine compartment to create storage space at the front. It appears to offer a large, flat space similar to that found in a Ford F-150 Lightning, along with a fold-out tailgate that can serve multiple purposes, including holding a TV. TechRadar says the TV would presumably be powered by the vehicle's battery while users sit in camp chairs.
TechRadar describes the design as suited to tailgate parties, camping trips and other places where a TV might be watched. It gives the example of using the back of the Fathom to carry goods and a stall at a market, while a tailgate TV shows a promotional video.
Battery drain is not expected to be a major concern, according to TechRadar, because the Fathom is expected to have a large battery providing more than 300 miles of range. A TV would not make a big dent in that capacity, the report says.
The patent also suggests that the top of the hood could be swappable, allowing owners to replace it so that items such as food or tools can be placed on it without spoiling the vehicle's finish. TechRadar says the design would presumably include storage for those swappable pieces rather than leaving them loose on the frunk floor.
Ford has been releasing details about the vehicle over months, according to TechRadar. It is described as a midsize pickup with more passenger room than a Toyota RAV4, launching in early 2027 and starting at $28,350. It comes with Apple Maps integration, CarPlay and Android Auto.
What the vehicle actually looks like remains unknown. TechRadar notes that images Ford has released so far are camouflaged. From the shape seen so far, it looks suitably tough, and it is priced aggressively. Ford promises that the camouflage will come off in 2027.