The new take on bidirectional EV charging came about when Ford acquired Auto Motive Power three years ago. The result is the Fathom’s charging module, one of five powerful computers that each handle a different aspect of the Fathom’s functions. (Known as a software-defined vehicle, this handful of domain controllers replace the dozens and dozens of discrete ECUs you’d find in an older design.)

Now, the Fathom won’t need a wallbox with an in-built inverter, like the 80 A unit needed for the Lightning. But you will still need the Ford Home Power Station, which Ford says should cost about half as much as the $1,310 device needed for the older, bigger truck.…