Ford has filed a patent for a front-end tailgate on an electric truck, likely the upcoming Fathom. The application, published under number 12,741,514, is titled "Vehicle cargo space access providing method" and explicitly refers to an electrified vehicle.

The patent shows a fold-out section that creates a flat work surface, similar to a conventional tailgate but at the front. The hood can remain open for tall cargo or closed while the tailgate is down, providing two levels. Swappable hood surfaces in metal or polymer would protect the paint, and a television could fold down when the front trunk is closed.

Because the truck has a large battery, running a TV for tailgating or camping would not strain the electrical system. The Fathom is a critical product for Ford, with a reported starting price under $30,000 and a first-year sales target of 100,000 units. As with any patent, the features are not guaranteed to reach production.