April 1, 2022—Ford has filed documents with the U.S. Patents and Trademark Office that seek to patent a hydrogen-powered engine.

According to an article from Jalopnik based off reporting done by Muscle Cars & Trucks, the automaker has filed designs "for a modified engine that relies on direct injection to burn a mix of hydrogen and oxygen." 

Per the initial report, the hydrogen-powered drivetrain would be able to use fuel "much more sparingly," suggesting an air/fuel ratio of around 68 parts air to one part hydrogen.

The report suggests Ford has been looking for other clean alternatives to internal combustion drivetrains beside electric vehicles. With a hydrogen-based fuel, the only byproduct that would be produced during combustion is water.