Nissan acquires 25% stake in auto startup ChargeScape, a joint venture owned by BMW, Ford, and Honda

Nissan Motor announced on Monday that it is investing in ChargeScape, with plans to roll out the company’s battery charging services to its electric vehicle drivers across the United States and Canada. Although the investment amount was not disclosed, Nissan will acquire a 25% stake in ChargeScape, joining BMW, Ford, and Honda as an equal partner in the joint venture.

ChargeScape, a newly formed startup created by the three automakers, focuses on optimizing electric vehicle (EV) grid services. The company’s platform integrates EVs with the power grid to enhance stability, lower charging costs, and support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows EVs to send stored energy back to the grid.

“After the transaction, Nissan will pick up a 25% stake in ChargeScape, becoming an equal investor in the joint venture that is currently equally owned by BMW, Ford, and Honda, Reuters reported.”

Competing in a crowded market that includes Tesla, ChargePoint, Gridserve, and BP Pulse, ChargeScape offers software and technology to optimize EV battery charging. The growing demand for automotive software that supports electrified vehicles aligns with broader industry shifts toward advanced driver aids and automated features.

Looking ahead, ChargeScape expects additional automakers to invest in the platform, expanding its influence in the EV space. Through ChargeScape’s platform, drivers can earn financial incentives by pausing charging during peak demand periods and, eventually, sell excess energy stored in their EVs back to the grid.

This move fits into Nissan’s larger strategy of advancing bi-directional charging technology, which is already featured in its Leaf EV, positioning the company for future growth in the smart energy ecosystem.