If you want to say that the highest-selling electric pickup truck, it is not the Tesla Cybertruck, but the Ford F-150 Lightning. Then a big feature of the electric pickup truck is the addition of a large front trunk. Pickup trucks already have a large rear cargo box, so the space in the front trunk can actually be used well, rather than simply putting luggage.
Recently, a Ford invention patent for a multifunctional front trunk appeared in the U.S. Trademark Office, describing a retractable drawer, a multifunctional worktop, and a stable platform filled with useful items.
Ford has been developing new innovations specifically for pickup trucks, which have been increasing more frequently lately, and as the mentioned front trunk indicates, the pickup in this patent is electric, either fully electric or hybrid, with a very small range extender/generator hidden behind the front trunk.
The idea is that a motorized drawer fills the front trunk, and when the front trunk lid is opened, it sticks out of the front of the pickup. When it does so, it creates a large space in which a two-part panel can be embedded. This creates a basic worktop that can be replaced when these panels wear out due to weather, sawing, welding, or any other damage that may occur over time. Underneath these tops are storage compartments. People can store tools, supplies, and charging cables inside.
In another case, however, these small rooms were occupied by custom-made toolboxes with drawers that opened at the front. The patent proposes to include a wireless charging pad on top, several different types of power outlets (120V, 240V, USB-C, and others), and a rubber surface marked with various measurement scales (inches, feet, yards, etc.). Naturally, the entire platform/toolspace can be unfolded and retracted using the controller, e.g. via a mobile app or a touchscreen in the cabin.
Ford added that it could add a mode that locks the suspension in place to minimize mess and vibration during bench operation, ensuring that the carpenter cuts out a neat 4x8 and the plumber gets the perfect half-inch pipe length. In addition, if workers need to work overtime, the light pole at the front of the vehicle is a rotatable device that directs light to the work surface. Alternatively, a cheaper solution is to add a lens that, when the frunk is turned on, tilts the light downwards.
Ford has been working overtime to maximize every inch of available space for the highly practical features of the future pickup. In the front trunk, you can have a multifunctional toolbox with lighting; In the back, you can put a 3D printer on the cargo box, pick up trucks, etc.