German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have joined forces in China to establish Beijing Ion Qi New Energy Technology Co., a new venture that aims to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape across the country. The partnership will see the introduction of a comprehensive charging network, with plans to roll out the first stations this year in major Chinese cities known for their high adoption of new-energy vehicles.
The network will subsequently expand to encompass smaller towns and regions, with a goal of constructing at least 1,000 high-speed charging stations featuring roughly 7,000 plugs by the end of 2026. This ambitious initiative underscores the commitment of BMW and Mercedes-Benz to promote sustainable mobility and support the growing demand for EV infrastructure in China.
While both automakers already operate their own charging networks in China, the joint venture will enhance the accessibility and convenience of charging facilities for EV owners across the country. BMW’s existing Supercharging Station project, which supports charging speeds of up to 600 kW and covers 17 cities, will be integrated into the new network. Mercedes-Benz, with chargers in several key cities including Chengdu, Foshan, and Qingdao, will also contribute to the expanded network.
According to Car News China, the charging network established through the joint venture will be open to all electric vehicles, but BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners will benefit from a more seamless charging experience, including online reservations. Moreover, a portion of the electricity used at these charging stations will be sourced from renewable sources, aligning with the companies’ sustainability goals.
Beyond China, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are part of a collaborative effort with five other automakers—GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis—to establish a new charging network in North America known as Ionna. This network aims to deploy at least 30,000 chargers across North America, with the first station set to open in the United States later this year. Each Ionna station will include NACS and CCS connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of EV models.
