Mercedes and BMW Launch Fast-Charging Network in China
Mercedes-Benz and BMW have initiated the development of fast-charging parks in China through their joint venture, Ionchi. The first seven locations are now operational, and the plan is to establish 1,000 fast-charging sites with 7,000 charging points across 100 cities by the end of 2026.
Image: lonchi
The concept for this joint charging network was first introduced in November 2023. In January, the project received approval from Brussels, with European competition authorities raising no concerns due to its limited impact on the European Economic Area. Just two months later, the formation of the joint venture was announced, with each manufacturer holding a 50% stake in the collaboration.
With the launch of the first seven locations, which include four in Beijing, along with additional sites in Qingdao and Nanjing, the project is progressing. However, specifics regarding the dimensions of these charging parks have yet to be disclosed.
Details about the supplier for the charging hardware remain unclear, although it is confirmed that the stations will be liquid-cooled and feature one charging station each, capable of delivering up to 600 kW of charging capacity. The voltage range will vary from 200 to 1,000 V, allowing for a maximum of 800 A, with each charging cable, including the plug, weighing approximately 3.15 kg.
Initial images indicate that a roof will be incorporated into the design, and car park barriers are planned. Mercedes-Benz and BMW have previously stated that users will enjoy various exclusive features, including Plug&Charge and the ability to reserve charging points in advance. Importantly, these charging parks will be accessible to all vehicle brands, not just those from the two manufacturers.
Overall, the joint venture aims to create 1,000 charging parks with a combined total of 7,000 charging stations in 100 cities throughout China by the end of 2026. The name "Ionchi" reflects its focus on electric charging, combining "Ion" for electrically charged particles and "Chi" for China.
This venture marks the third collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and BMW, following their well-known Ionity network in Europe and Ionna for North America. In July 2023, seven leading automakers, including General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, announced a joint venture to establish a fast-charging network in North America, with Toyota joining as the eighth partner. The first site in North Carolina was recently announced, with plans for at least 30,000 fast-charging stations under the Ionna initiative.
In addition to these joint ventures, Mercedes-Benz is also focusing on developing its own charging infrastructure. In January 2023, the company revealed plans to create a network of fast-charging stations across North America, Europe, China, and other key markets, aiming for over 10,000 fast-charging points globally by the end of the decade. In November 2023, the first charging hub in China became operational as part of this global high-power charging network, with additional sites in Mannheim and Sandy Springs connecting to the network in the same month. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz announced plans to collaborate with PowerX to establish a fast-charging network comprising 100 HPC charging points at 25 locations in Japan over the next two years.
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Tags: #Charging stations #HPC charging #charging cable #fast-charging points #fast-charging stations