Pickup trucks are one of the most popular forms of transportation in the United States, so they are no longer just rough-and-tumble workhorses. These days, pickup trucks are for off-roading, commuting, sitting in driveways, annoying Europeans with underglow, and yeah, maybe hauling some stuff sometimes.
If a recent Ford patent is to be believed, the Ford Fathom may also have another purpose: tailgating.
Work station, media station, whatever you want
Patent US 12,741,514 B2 shows an electric pickup truck with a cargo area that can open up to provide additional usable surfaces, either for work or fun. Ford mentions a few possible materials, including metal and polymer. Depending on your chosen setup, you could have a surface for tools, food, or working.
There is also a display that can come out from the cargo area, along with fold-down body panels, which could essentially allow you to watch something while at a campsite or tailgate party. This is a really unique way to utilize the EV battery.
It should also be noted that this is for the frunk, not the back.
The patent doesn’t mention the Ford Fathom, so it’s unclear if this unique tailgate concept would be on this new electric pickup truck or a future model.
However, the timing seems to line up.
The Fathom has been relentlessly teased by Ford over the past year, the first in its affordable EV lineup. The Fathom manages to be under $30,000 thanks to Ford’s Universal EV Platform, which simplifies vehicle manufacturing with Unicasting and fewer components, as well as a three-pronged production system.
In my opinion, this would be an optional feature. Seeing as the Ford Fathom is cheap as heck and boasting simplicity all over social media, I assume it won’t have a bunch of fun tailgate features and an extra screen. However, it’s a super fun idea that could be a great addition for those who use their trucks for tailgating and camping.
