- IONCHI transitions into a three-party joint venture with SERES joining BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
- The partnership accelerates premium EV charging expansion targeting 1,000 stations across China by 2026.
The premium China EV charging ecosystem is undergoing a structural shift as SERES Group joins the IONCHI joint venture alongside BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The integration transforms the previously equal German partnership into a three-way collaboration, each holding a 33.3% stake. This move reflects a broader transition in the Chinese EV landscape where international and domestic manufacturers are increasingly aligning infrastructure strategies rather than building isolated networks.
IONCHI Expansion Targets and Current Deployment Status
The IONCHI network was originally established in late 2023 as a 50:50 joint venture between BMW Brilliance Automotive and Mercedes-Benz Group China. Its objective is to deploy at least 1,000 high-power charging stations with approximately 7,000 charging points across 100 cities by 2026. Progress has been consistent but requires acceleration. By December 2025, the network had deployed around 430 fast-charging stations and 2,408 charging points across 37 cities, indicating the need for rapid scaling to meet targets.
IONCHI Charging Network Progress vs Target
| Metric | 2025 Status | 2026 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Stations | 430 | 1,000+ |
| Charging Points | 2,408 | 7,000 |
| Cities Covered | 37 | 100 |
Strategic Value of SERES and AITO Integration
The inclusion of SERES introduces a high-growth domestic player into the infrastructure equation. The company recorded RMB 165.05 billion in revenue in 2025, with a net profit of RMB 5.96 billion. Its AITO brand, developed in collaboration with Huawei, delivered more than 420,000 vehicles, making it the leading Chinese luxury car brand domestically. The AITO lineup spans multiple segments, with the M9 exceeding 110,000 units, the M8 surpassing 150,000 units in the premium segment, and the M7 contributing over 110,000 units.
Huawei’s role through the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance strengthens AITO’s positioning by integrating advanced intelligent driving systems, cockpit solutions, and software platforms. SERES also demonstrated strong investment in innovation, allocating RMB 12.51 billion to R&D in 2025, marking a 77.4% year-over-year increase while maintaining a 28.8% gross margin on new energy vehicles.
Operational Model and Customer Experience Strategy
Under the revised structure, all three partners contribute equally to network development and operations. The charging infrastructure operates entirely on renewable energy and is strategically located in premium urban zones. While access remains open to compatible EVs, customers from BMW, AITO, and Mercedes-Benz benefit from exclusive services such as reservation capabilities and prioritized power allocation. This tiered model aligns infrastructure experience with premium vehicle ownership expectations.
China’s EV Charging Market Context
The broader EV charging landscape in China continues to expand at scale, reaching over 21 million charging points by early 2026, representing a 47.8% year-over-year increase. Public charging infrastructure alone accounts for 4.83 million units. The national roadmap aims to reach 28 million charging facilities by 2027. Within this expansive ecosystem, premium charging networks like IONCHI are emerging as a differentiated segment focused on reliability, convenience, and service quality.
Strategic Implications of the Three-Way Partnership
The inclusion of SERES enhances utilization potential and financial capacity for accelerated deployment, helping BMW and Mercedes-Benz meet aggressive expansion targets. At the same time, SERES benefits from access to branded charging infrastructure, reinforcing AITO’s premium positioning and enhancing customer ownership value. This collaboration reflects a maturing EV ecosystem where infrastructure partnerships are becoming critical for competitive differentiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did SERES join the IONCHI charging network partnership?
SERES joined the IONCHI joint venture to strengthen premium EV charging infrastructure and accelerate deployment targets across China. The collaboration allows BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and SERES to share investment, improve network utilization, and enhance customer experience through integrated services. For SERES, the partnership supports AITO’s premium positioning by offering exclusive charging benefits, while the German automakers gain access to a rapidly growing domestic EV customer base.
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