Ford Fathom to offer onboard home backup power with cheaper bidirectional charging

The Fathom’s onboard “E-box” converts battery power into standard household electricity, Ford said. That differs from the discontinued F-150 Lightning, which required a large external DC-to-AC wall inverter. Ford said the built-in inverter can run appliances, back up a home during an outage or feed power back to the grid. TechCrunch reported that the more than 10 kW output could substitute for a small standby generator; for most U.S. homes it would not power everything, but it could keep a refrigerator and air conditioner running for about half a day.

Ford’s two charging products are the Home Power Station and the Home Backup Power package, which adds a Home Backup Panel for whole-home or partial-home backup during an outage. TechCrunch reported that the Home Power Station will cost around $650, about 50% less than Ford’s first-generation bidirectional charger, and that the Home Backup Power package will cost around $2,100, about 60% less than its first-generation product. The Verge reported that Ford is targeting about $3,123 for the Home Power Station and backup panel combination, roughly 40% below the $5,205 that combination typically costs, and said finalized pricing for both packages is still pending. The Verge also reported that the Home Power Station is aimed at a 50% discount to the existing $1,310 Ford Charge Station Pro.

The Home Power Station can charge the Fathom when electricity prices are low and send power back to the home when prices are high, according to TechCrunch. Both chargers will let Fathom owners join virtual power plants, which use software to control distributed energy storage. Utilities have been exploring virtual power plants as AI data centers increase strain on the grid, TechCrunch reported. Ford did not specify how much owners could earn, but payouts can exceed $1,000 a year depending on grid needs and participation, TechCrunch reported.

Ford also said it is working with five North American utilities—Pacific Gas and Electric, American Electric Power, BC Hydro, Consumers Energy and Exelon—to reduce paperwork for basic storm backup, use common plugs and software, and make grid programs automatic. The companies collectively cover millions of customers in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Verge.

The lower charger prices do not include installation. TechCrunch reported that installation for existing V2X chargers can run up to $10,000, depending on the electrical work needed, and that Ford has not announced installer partnerships; a Ford spokesperson said more details would come later. The Verge reported that permitting, electrician labor and heavy-gauge wiring will remain additional costs for homeowners.

The Fathom will be the first vehicle on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, which the company says is designed to maximize aerodynamic range and reduce production costs. Ford has promoted the truck for more than a year as its “Model T moment.” The automaker still faces supply chain constraints and trade upheaval as it approaches the debut, The Verge reported.