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Car charging station in China: BMW and Mercedes want to invest in infrastructure there
Photo: Cfoto / NurPhoto / IMAGO
The Chinese car manufacturers are strongly attacking the German competition in electromobility – now BMW and Mercedes-Benz want to further develop their activities in China: From next year, they want to set up a joint network of fast-charging stations for electric cars. For this purpose, a joint venture will be founded, the companies announced.
By the end of 2026, at least 1000 public stations with about 7000 charging points are planned across the country. The first stations are scheduled to open as early as next year.
The planned charging points would be available to all vehicle brands, it said. However, customers of the two premium manufacturers will be able to book exclusive services. For example, they should be able to reserve a charging point in advance and bill it more easily.
The two competitors have already joined forces in Europe and the USA to help build a sufficiently dense charging infrastructure. Together with other car manufacturers, they founded the European operator Ionity.
In July, they announced a project in the United States to build electric charging stations in alliance with General Motors, Stellantis, Hyundai, Kia and Honda.
kko/Reuters