IONCHI finalizes BMW-AITO-Mercedes three-way ownership and launches brand refresh
IONCHI, the premium public charging network co-owned by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and now AITO, has refreshed its brand, launched App 3.0 and opened its stations to EV drivers of every brand.
- 33.3%
- 800 kW
- 619 stations, 3,404 points
- at least 1,000
What Happened
IONCHI has repositioned itself from a joint-venture brand of two luxury automakers into what it calls an open, premium supercharging brand built by three partners, marking the change with a new logo and identity. Alongside the logo, the company released IONCHI App 3.0, a tiered membership program and a loyalty rewards plan for existing users. On the hardware side, its new-generation liquid-cooled supercharger delivers up to 800 kW and a maximum current of 800 A across a 200–1000 V voltage platform, and IONCHI says it is compatible with 99.9% of mainstream EV models on the market. The service package includes a lightweight charging connector, plug-and-charge with seamless payment, low-noise operation and a fast-response customer service team available 24/7.
IONCHI is founded as a 50:50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
IONCHI announces that AITO will join the joint venture.
The transaction closes, with BMW, AITO and Mercedes-Benz each holding a 33.3% stake.
IONCHI launches its brand refresh, new brand identity and App 3.0 in Beijing.
400km
From IONCHI's new-generation liquid-cooled supercharger, which delivers up to 800 kW and a maximum current of 800 A across a 200–1000 V platform.
- 40 cities in 22 provinces, 619 supercharging stations and 3,404 charging points in CBDs, core commercial districts and along major urban roads
- at least 1,000 supercharging stations with around 7,000 supercharging points
- IONCHI App 3.0 is live with a fully redesigned, cleaner interface and now acts as the gateway to IONCHI's premium user ecosystem rather than just a charging tool.
- A new tiered membership system adds differentiated benefits spanning charging discounts and exclusive events, with tier and benefits viewable in the IONCHI mini program.
- A loyalty rewards plan offers exclusive thank-you benefits to users who supported the charging service early on.
- Until November 30, all users can buy a membership worth RMB 6.9 for RMB 0.1, one per person.
- Existing users can redeem 50 points for an RMB 3 service fee coupon, now valid throughout November instead of only on weekends.
- BMW, AITO and Mercedes-Benz drivers get exclusive brand benefits such as charging reservations, special discounts and priority power allocation.
“From our founding by Mercedes-Benz and BMW to AITO's arrival, IONCHI has completed its brand upgrade from a joint venture of two luxury automakers to a three-way partnership. The launch of our new logo and App 3.0 shows that we are opening up further to serve EV drivers of every brand. IONCHI will continue to deliver on its brand promise — 'Supercharge at ease, glide with grace' — through leading supercharging technology and a seamless user experience.”
“AITO will work with Mercedes-Benz and BMW, through interconnected and interoperable charging infrastructure, to help make IONCHI the new benchmark for premium supercharging networks in China and deliver a higher-quality charging experience to users. AITO also remains committed to open collaboration in the market, continually exploring opportunities to work together and offering a new model for the sustainable, high-quality development of the industry.”
Previously from SERES Group
Earlier in October 2026, AITO owners gained exclusive terms across IONCHI's premium charging network in China, including a standing 30% discount on service fees, at a time when that network counted 606 stations.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of SERES Group's official releases.
Why this matters
The operator has moved from a 50:50 Mercedes-Benz and BMW joint venture to a three-way partnership with AITO at 33.3% each, widening who shapes a premium public charging network in China. Its stations are open to drivers of any EV brand, which affects EV owners broadly, while BMW, AITO and Mercedes-Benz drivers keep extra benefits such as reservations, discounts and priority power allocation.
Terms in This Story
- Joint venture
- A business created by two or more companies that share its ownership, control and usually its investment.
- kW (kilowatt)
- A unit of power; in charging, a higher kW rating means more energy can be delivered per hour and, all else equal, faster charging.
- Plug-and-charge
- A charging feature in which the car and the charger authenticate and settle payment automatically once the connector is plugged in, with no app or card step.
- Liquid-cooled supercharger
- A high-power charger whose cable and connector are cooled by circulating liquid so they can carry higher current without overheating.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.