BMW and Mercedes-Benz Partner to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Network in China

Introduction

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have collaborated in China to establish Beijing Ion Qi New Energy Technology Co., a joint venture aimed at introducing an extensive electric vehicle charging network across the country.

Rollout Plan

The initial stations will be launched this year in major Chinese cities with a high demand for new-energy vehicles. The network will then expand to cover smaller towns and regions, with plans to build at least 1,000 high-speed charging stations equipped with approximately 7,000 plugs by the end of 2026.

Existing Networks

Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz already operate their own charging networks in China. BMW’s Supercharging Station project, launched last year, offers charging piles supporting speeds of up to 600 kW, covering 17 cities with 54 charging stations. These stations are accessible to all electric vehicle models, not limited to BMWs.

Mercedes-Benz Charging Network

Mercedes-Benz also has its own charging infrastructure in various Chinese cities, including Chengdu, Foshan, Qingdao, Chongqing, Kunming, Wuhan, Suzhou, and Changzhou.

Joint Venture Benefits

The new charging network established through the BMW and Mercedes-Benz partnership will be open to all electric vehicles. However, owners of BMW and Mercedes-Benz models will have the advantage of making online reservations for a seamless plug-and-play experience. Additionally, the companies aim to source some electricity from renewable sources for these charging stations.

Expansion Plans

Beyond China, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are part of a larger collaboration with GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis to establish the Ionna charging network in North America. This initiative plans to deploy over 30,000 chargers across the region, with the first station set to open in the United States later this year.