Your next Ford may be able to dig holes. What to know about 'dig mode.'
Ford vehicles could include a new feature that's straight out of Pokémon.
New vehicle technology has advanced to the point where vehicles can crab walk, turn like tanks and more. Ford's recent patent hints at a capability for its vehicles that has yet to appear on roads — or trails.
Is this new feature coming to future Blue Oval vehicles? Does it have any practical real-world applications, or will it just add a wow factor to some models? Here's what to know.
Ford patents dig mode feature for future vehicles
Ford Motor Company's subsidiary Ford Global Technologies LLC was granted a patent for "vehicle operation in one-wheel dig mode." That's right, some Ford vehicles could be able to dig soon, like the Pokémon move that allows users to burrow into the ground.
The Blue Oval produces several capable off-road models including the Bronco Sport and Bronco. Ford also produces special off-road trims for some of its most capable vehicles. These trims often feature all-terrain tires, suspension upgrades, skid plates and more. The brand also makes popular best-selling work trucks like the Ford F-150. These vehicles have their fair share of interesting capabilities, but a dig mode would be novel even for the most niche models.
Based on Ford's new tech patent, the feature would allow drivers to "spin one of the wheels of the vehicle to dig a hole in the ground below the spinning wheel" while the other wheels remain stationary.
According to the patent "the hole may be used in the recovery of another vehicle that is stuck during recreational off-roading." Other uses for the feature include "recreational camping" and making holes at job sites.
Ford is no stranger to unique features and designs
The Blue Oval is no slouch when it comes to inventing and implementing bold new features. From a design perspective, the Ford Maverick is potentially one of its most daring endeavors in recent years. The Maverick is the current smallest and most affordable pickup truck on the American market. It also happens to be a standard hybrid pickup.
The Ford Maverick's innovation doesn't stop at its size or powertrain. Ford designed the Maverick truck bed to be easily customizable so owners could create their own bed setups to maximize space, since the Maverick is a small truck.
In terms of unique capabilities, the Ford F-150 Lightning is another notable mention. Some F-150 Lightning models include Home Backup Power. This feature essentially turns the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck into a backup generator for your home. The F-150 Lighting also has exportable power to power tools on worksites and accessories through its frunk (front trunk) and truck bed.
The brave new world of automotive features
Today, many final configuration cars, trucks and SUVs have astounding capabilities. From self-parking and semi-autonomous driving to augmented reality head-up displays and native voice assistants, vehicle tech has made huge strides in the last decade.
Over-the-air updates now allow automotive brands to patch software bugs and roll out new features for vehicles through the internet. As automotive technology and features continue to advance, who knows what automakers will unveil next to capture the attention of consumers.
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