Mercedes-Benz Sells European EV Charging Network to Electra
The French operator acquires 374 fast-charging ports for €99 million, becoming a Premium Partner for Mercedes drivers.
Mercedes-Benz has exited the proprietary EV charging market in Europe by selling its network to French operator Electra. The transaction, disclosed in the automaker’s third-quarter financial report, values the assets at €99 million ($111 million) and shifts the German brand to relying exclusively on third-party partnerships for European charging infrastructure.
What Happened
Mercedes-Benz sold its 47 charging locations, which comprised 374 fast-charging ports, to Electra. As part of the deal, Electra has been designated as a “Premium Partner,” a status second only to Ionity. This partnership grants Mercedes-Benz EV drivers discounted rates at over 5,000 Electra chargers across 800 locations in several European countries. The former Mercedes stalls have already been integrated into Electra’s network, with plans to replace card payment terminals and update station branding soon.
Why It Matters
The sale signals a strategic pivot for Mercedes-Benz, which had launched its own charging network only three years ago with an ambitious goal of deploying over 10,000 fast chargers globally by the end of the decade. Paul Tonini, Electra’s General Manager for Germany, noted that the market is consolidating around larger providers, making it difficult for smaller networks to maintain financial viability. By selling its assets, Mercedes-Benz avoids the capital expenditure of building and maintaining its own premium experience in Europe, opting instead to leverage the economies of scale offered by major partners like Electra and Ionity. Notably, the automaker’s High-Power Charging network in the United States, which includes 748 ports across 80 locations, remains unaffected by this European divestiture.
The Bottom Line
Mercedes-Benz has fully exited the ownership of EV charging infrastructure in Europe, transferring its assets to Electra for €99 million. The brand will now depend on external partnerships to serve its customers, while retaining its independent charging operations in North America.
