Last year Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk announced in a blog post that the Model S maker would make its electric vehicle patents available to other companies for free. Most people assumed there would be some sort of catch but so far he's stayed true to his word.
Now we've confirmed that Ford will make also make its EV patents available to all rival automakers as well though they won't be open like Tesla's patents.
"By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers," said Ford's Director of Electrification Programs, Kevin Layden said in a press statement.
The C-Max Hybrid maker claims that innovation is the "goal" of the announcement made on Thursday, though that certainly doesn't seem to be the case completely.
Ford currently has about 650 patents involving EVs or hybrids and 1,000 that are still pending. If a rival automaker like General Motors wants to use one of those patents they'll have to pay license them.
Musk has a slightly different take when it comes to his innovation beliefs.
"Tesla Motors was created to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport," Musk wrote in his blog post last June. "If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electric vehicles, but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal."
For the record, Toyota also made its EV patents available for free to rival automakers during an announcement made at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show.
Those interested in Ford's patents can contact AutoHarvest by visiting their website or calling 313-285-8569.
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