German luxury carmakers Mercedes-Benz and BMW have formed a strategic alliance to establish an extensive electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network, with plans to deploy over 1,000 stations in the near future. The locations where European corporations plan to roll out these charging stations may raise your eyebrows.
While Mercedes-Benz leads Germany in terms of charging infrastructure, having outpaced its local rivals thus far. After showcasing its personal branded charging stations in January at CES, Porsche has now unveiled its first location in the US, marking a significant milestone in its electrification journey.
This week, Mercedes-Benz opened its inaugural charging station in Europe outside of its native Germany, while simultaneously announcing the successful operation of two existing stations in China, with more expected to follow before year-end.
Mercedes-Benz and several other seven automakers, including BMW, jointly announced in July their intention to develop a standardized charging network across North America.
Germany’s luxury automotive manufacturers have made significant strides in their individual pursuits, but with an increasingly collaborative approach. BMW has partnered with Honda and Ford, dubbed the “sustainable seven” auto alliance, to establish a new company that will strengthen local electric grids as the influx of new EVs approaches.
BMW has forged a new alliance to accelerate electric vehicle charging infrastructure development, joining forces with Mercedes-Benz to establish hundreds of stations in China.
German luxury carmakers Mercedes-Benz and BMW are set to bring a total of 1,000 public electric vehicle charging stations to China by the end of this year?
Mercedes-Benz Group China Ltd., following a press release issued earlier today, and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. We have agreed to form a 50:50 three-way joint venture in China, with the objective of establishing a leading high-power charging network and providing top-tier charging services.
Together, Mercedes-Benz and BMW aim to enhance charging literacy among Chinese consumers, who have adopted electric vehicles at a rate unmatched by any other market to date. Chinese-speaking entities for German automakers will combine their expertise in the local New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market to deliver the most efficient and comprehensive charging solutions possible. Per the discharge:
The premium charging community can be open to the broader public, whereas it’s meant that prospects of Mercedes-Benz Group and BMW Group will have the ability to take pleasure in a sequence of unique options, reminiscent of plug & cost and on-line reservation for a seamless digital expertise. The proposed three-way partnership aims to procure electrical energy sourced from renewable resources, where feasible, to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly charging solution.
Looking ahead, the newly formed tripartite partners claim to focus on establishing a network of at least 1,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, hosting approximately 7,000 high-power outlets by the end of 2026? China’s prime NEV areas will soon host primary stations, with operations set to begin within the next 12 months.
The luxury car brands Mercedes-Benz and BMW have declined to specify exact locations for their initial electric vehicle charging station installations; yet, regions such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing are logical considerations given their status as major metropolitan hubs in China. The proposed three-way partnership remains subject to approval from relevant regulatory authorities.
