Ford’s upcoming Fathom electric pickup truck will offer a feature that could make it useful even when parked in the driveway. The automaker has confirmed that the affordable EV will support bidirectional power, allowing owners to use its battery to supply electricity to their homes.
The Ford Fathom is scheduled to arrive in 2027 with a starting MSRP of $28,350. That would make it one of the least expensive electric vehicles to offer home-powering capabilities, although the feature will require additional equipment.
The technology isn’t entirely new, as Ford previously offered similar functionality with the F-150 Lightning. However, the company says it has developed a simpler, less expensive system for its upcoming electric truck.
According to Ford, the Fathom will be capable of supplying over 10 kilowatts of AC power to a home. That could prove useful during electricity outages or when homeowners want to reduce their energy bills.
The Ford Fathom Won’t Need An External Inverter
Most electric vehicles store electricity in their batteries as direct current (DC), while household appliances typically run on alternating current (AC). Converting that electricity usually requires an external inverter, which adds to the cost of a home backup system.
The Fathom will have that conversion capability built into the vehicle, eliminating the need for a separate wall-mounted inverter. Owners will still need Ford’s dedicated home-power equipment to use the feature.
Ford says its new Home Power Station should cost roughly half as much as its first-generation bidirectional charger. The company is aiming to make the technology accessible to buyers who might otherwise find the additional hardware too expensive.
It Could Help Lower Electricity Bills
The Fathom will offer two home-powering functions, starting with Home Power Management. This allows owners to charge the truck when electricity rates are lower and supply that stored energy to their homes when rates increase.
The system could help reduce electricity costs, depending on local utility rates and how frequently owners use it. Ford says this function requires its Home Power Station and an active plan or trial.
The second feature, Home Backup Power, allows the truck to supply electricity during an outage. This requires both the Home Power Station and a separate Home Backup Power Panel.
Home Backup Power Will Cost Extra
Ford expects the necessary backup hardware to cost at least 60 percent less than its previous-generation system. Installation expenses and any applicable subscription fees would add to the total. Ford has not yet announced final pricing for the equipment or confirmed the truck’s battery capacity and how long it could power a typical home.
Still, the combination of a sub-$30,000 starting price and available home backup power could make the Fathom appealing to buyers who want their electric truck to serve a second purpose when parked.