Ford's sub-$30K Fathom EV pickup to include built-in home backup power
Ford announced that its upcoming Fathom electric pickup, priced under $30,000 and due next year, will come with vehicle-to-home power capability built directly into the truck. Unlike the earlier F-150 Lightning setup, which required a separate inverter in the wallbox to convert the truck's DC power to usable AC power, the Fathom integrates that inverter onboard, letting every unit serve as a home backup battery out of the box.
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Building the inverter into the vehicle itself could simplify adoption of vehicle-to-home backup power, removing a cost and installation barrier that previously required specialized charging hardware. The Fathom also enters a market alongside the stripped-down Slate truck, and the contrast suggests two different bets on what budget-conscious EV buyers want—minimalism versus added features backed by a larger dealer network for service and repairs.
- Ford's Fathom pickup will have an inverter built into the vehicle, enabling home backup power without extra wallbox hardware.
- The Fathom is priced under $30,000, about $5,000 more than the rival Slate truck, but includes extra doors, infotainment, and CarPlay.
- Ford's larger dealership network could offer service advantages given the company's frequent recall history.
Ford Charge Station Pro — If you're excited about EVs doubling as home backup power, a reliable home charging setup is the natural companion. Ford's Charge Station Pro is designed to integrate with Ford EVs for fast home charging and smart energy management, making it a solid pick for anyone diving into the vehicle-to-home ecosystem this article describes.
See Ford Charge Station Pro on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: arstechnica.com, 2026-10-27
Published there as: “Ford simplifies using your EV as a home battery with the $30K Fathom”
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