Mercedes-Benz and BMW this week launched the first public electric vehicle (EV) charging station in China under their Ionchi joint venture, marking the beginning of the nationwide rollout of the network. After two weeks of operational trials, the first Ionchi charging station is now open to the public in Beijing.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz established their Ionchi fast-charging partnership last year, with the aim of providing premium ultra-fast recharging services for their customers in city across China. Similar charging stations will be opened in other parts of Beijing and in the cities of Qingdao and Nanjing in the coming weeks.

By the end of 2026 Mercedes-Benz and BMW aim to have at least 1,000 Ionchi premium fast-charging stations in operation in 100 cities across China, each equipped with seven charging points.

BMW, along with eight automotive partners, is rolling out similar premium EV charging networks in key regional markets, including the Ionna in the US and Ionity in Europe.

BMW claims its Ionity joint venture is now one of Europe’s leading charging networks, with almost 4,000 fast-charging points installed in more than 600 charging stations at the end of last year – mostly located along the region’s major highways and motorways.