Ford files patent for electric-car ‘burnout mode’

US car giant Ford has filed a patent for a unique ‘burnout mode’ which would allow its electric cars to generate smoke from all four tyres – though not at the same time.

Spotted by CarBuzz, the patent – filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) – shows a system which has been designed to “provide intentional wheel spin to heat the vehicle’s tyres”, generating extra grip for an electric car to accelerate even faster.

Images attached to the patent submission demonstrate Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E SUV performing a burnout with its rear tyres while the front wheels are locked in place.

This system – commonly known as Line Lock – has been available on the V8-powered Ford Mustang in the US since 2014, with the function added to all Australian-delivered examples of the muscle car since its 2022 Model Year update.

However, what makes Ford’s electric-car burnout system unique is its ability to be reversed – meaning power can also be sent to front tyres in order to make them spin while the rear axle stays still, holding the vehicle in position.

According to the patent submission, drivers will only be able to operate the system – accessible in a menu as a tyre heating function – if they are on a race track or a closed course, not on public roads.

The car-maker’s filing also says the burnout mode is "achievable with existing hardware in various vehicles via a software or programming update”, potentially unlocking the system for current Ford Mustang Mach-E owners.

As previously reported, well-placed dealer sources have told Drive the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a certainty for Australia, despite the US car-giants local arm remaining tight-lipped as to whether the electric car will arrive in showrooms.