The manufacturer has become the third to share alternative drivetrain technology over the last year. Tesla Motors made its EV patents available for free to competitors last July, and Toyota shared its hydrogen fuel cell technology in January, both aiming to increase the pace of development.

Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs, said: “As an industry, we need to collaborate while we continue to challenge each other. By sharing ideas, companies can solve bigger challenges and help improve the industry.”

Ford has six hybrid and electric vehicles in its North American product range, including the Focus Electric, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, and plug-in hybrid and hybrid versions of the C-MAX and Fusion (a version of which is sold in Europe as the Mondeo).

Last year it filed over 400 electric vehicle patents, and by the end of 2015 it will have a team of 200 engineers working at the new Ford Engineering Laboratories centre in Dearborn.

“The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers,” Layden added.

Interested parties can purchase Ford’s patents through the company’s commercialisation and licensing office, or through the AutoHarvest collaborative marketplace.