BMW, Mercedes-Benz to build 50:50 joint venture in China for supercharging network development

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. ("BMW") and Mercedes-Benz Group China Ltd. ("Mercedes-Benz") have officially signed an agreement to establish a 50:50 joint venture in China to operate a high-power charging network and to provide Chinese customers with premium charging services, according to an announcement BMW issued on November 30.

Leveraging their charging operation expertise in the global and Chinese markets, BMW and Mercedes-Benz intend to customize rapid, convenient, and reliable charging solutions tailored specifically for the Chinese clientele. The collaboration aspires to elevate the public charging experience for customers.

By the end of 2026, the joint venture plans to construct at least 1,000 supercharging stations in China, equipped with around 7,000 supercharging piles. The initial charging stations are scheduled to commence operations in key new energy vehicle (NEV) regions in China starting in 2024, with further stations to be installed nationwide.

The charging network established by the joint venture will be open to the public. According to the plan, customers of both BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Group will enjoy exclusive services, such as plug & charge and online reservation for a seamless digital experience. Additionally, the joint venture aims to procure electricity generated from renewable sources, where conditions allow, offering Chinese customers a sustainable luxury charging experience.

The deal is subject to approval by regulatory authorities, said BMW.

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

As of the end of October 2023, 600 BMW authorized dealerships have been equipped with charging facilities, including BMW AC wall boxes and DC charging piles.

Moreover, BMW's public charging network has had access to over 580,000 charging piles nationwide, encompassing 320-plus cities, with 320,000 DC fast-charging piles.

This year saw the official launch of the BMW Supercharging Station project, featuring high-power charging stations supporting up to 600 kW charging power, open to electric vehicles of all brands. Since its initiation in August, its supercharging station network has already covered nine major cities, with plans to establish around 50 stations by the end of 2023.

In the private charging sector, BMW is set to introduce a new DC intelligent wall box next year, further enriching the BMW’s charging product lineup and improving users' home charging efficiency.