--- title: "Ford Files Patent for Electric Supercharger Doubling as an Onboard Air Compressor" description: "The chances of Toyota's bizarre telescoping tail actually reaching production are nil, for example. But the latest filing from Ford, recently uncovered by AutoGuide, falls decidedly on the practical (and realistic) side of things: a new electric supercharger that can also serve as an onboard air compressor." date: "2018-08-14" modified: "2018-08-15" authors: - name: "Kyle Cheromcha" job_title: "Editor-in-Chief" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/kyle-cheromcha" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/22880/ford-files-patent-for-electric-supercharger-doubling-as-an-onboard-air-compressor" categories: - "News" tags: - "air" - "Electric Vehicle" - "Ford" - "Patent" - "supercharger" - "tires" --- # Ford Files Patent for Electric Supercharger Doubling as an Onboard Air Compressor ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* In their unending quest for a competitive edge, automakers will dream up some truly [out-there patent applications]() just to preempt anyone else with the same idea and claim the technology or technique as their own. The chances of [Toyota's bizarre telescoping tail]() actually reaching production are nil, for example. But the latest filing from Ford, [recently uncovered by *AutoGuide,*]() falls decidedly on the practical (and realistic) side of things: a new electric supercharger that can also serve as an onboard air compressor. At its core, a supercharger is simply a device to cram more air into the engine and boost its power. The trick here is just an extension of that principle, using an active valve to seal off a portion of the plumbing when the vehicle is idling and transform it into a miniature compressed air tank. Using an electric power source rather than a mechanical connection to the crankshaft means it will be able to run effectively without revving the engine or causing any power loss. "Compressed air can then be picked up directly from the sealed portion for use in tire inflation, or picked up via an ejector to provide vacuum for vacuum actuators," the patent application reads according to *[AutoGuide](),* which also posted an explanatory diagram from the document. The idea of using the supercharger to run a central [tire inflation]() system (or just to eliminate the need for standalone portable air compressor) would be hugely helpful in an off-road setting, where airing down and re-inflating the rubber is a vital and time-consuming step in maximizing traction and preventing punctures. It would be a really neat party trick for the next-generation Ford F-150 Raptor to be able to bring its tires back up to street pressure at the push of a button. The compressed air could also be used to adjust a truck's air suspension, while the vacuum side of things could aid in braking. Whether or not this technology ever gets close to production remains to be seen, but we won't complain if onboard air compressors become the latest front in the ongoing [full-size pickup truck wars.]() ## Author Overseeing an expert staff of writers and editors from his lair in Los Angeles, Kyle shapes The Drive’s singular approach to covering the automotive industry and car culture. He’s been with the site as a writer since 2017, taking over as editor in 2019. On a daily basis, Kyle is responsible for directing The Drive's editorial news and car review content strategies, setting special coverage priorities, managing complex reporting projects, and ensuring what you read on the page meets our high internal standards for quality and trustworthiness. He is also the executive producer of The Drive's YouTube channel, which was relaunched in February 2024 to great acclaim and has accumulated over 14M new views in its first year back on the scene. He hosts a biweekly series on the channel where he breaks down fascinating and complicated stories from the automotive world. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()