Mercedes and BMW are joining forces in the important Chinese market and want to build and operate a joint fast-charging network there. The two premium car manufacturers announced on Thursday an equal joint venture that plans to offer the first joint charging stations as early as 2024. It should be complete by the end of 2026 China then be at least 1000 stations with around 7000 charging points.
Mercedes and BMW want their offer for everyone Electric cars open, but there should be advantages for owners of their own cars, such as advance reservations at the loading points. Car manufacturers want to boost their weakening numbers on the Chinese market. Car manufacturers there are facing increasing competition from Chinese brands in the area of Electromobility faced. The company’s own sales figures have recently declined.
The first charging stations will be launched in the regions with the highest density of electric cars, and then other locations in China will gradually be added. “Wherever possible,” electricity from renewable energies should be used for charging, Mercedes and BMW explained. However, the project is still subject to the approval of the supervisory authorities.
The two competitors also have their strengths in Europe and the USA already bundled to contribute to the development of a sufficiently dense charging infrastructure. Together with other car manufacturers, they founded the European operator Ionity. In July they announced a project in the USA, where in alliance with General Motors, Stellantis, Hyundai, Kia and Honda charging stations are to be built.