While Mercedes-Benz had previously planned to build its own network of 10.000 fast chargers by 2030, it has now sold its network of 47 European charging hubs to Electra.
According to the Mercedes-Benz Q3 financial report, published on October 28, the board has already decided to sell the fast-charging network in July 2026.
The agreement with Electra was signed on August 3, for an undisclosed amount. The sale only concerns the European Mercedes-Benz charging network, not its chargers in the US and China.
The effects of the sale are becoming visible. The charging stations, which are mostly located in Germany (with 31 out of 47 being located in the country), are getting an Electra rebrand. And the former European Mercedes-Benz chargers have been added to the Electra app.
With the acquisition, Electra adds to its portfolio of 800 charging parks with 5,000 charging points across ten European countries. In Germany, this means a vast improvement for its customers, while adding 31 charging stations to its existing network of 50 means a 62% jump. The company aims to grow its network to 15,000 by 2030.
Why is Mercedes-Benz changing its strategy?
The sale of the European charging network comes as a surprise. The decision to establish a Mercedes-Benz fast charging network was only taken in 2023, with a first station opening in Mannheim by the end of that year.
And as recently as September 2025, the group discussed expansion, announcing the introduction of 600-kW Alpitronic HYC1000 chargers.
But since then, things have changed quite a bit. European automotive manufacturers are going through a crisis, and Mercedes-Benz is not an exception. The group’s Q3 financial results show an operating profit that has fallen from 1.14 billion to 560 million, and an adjusted profit margin that sank to 2.5% (compared with 4.8% yoy in 2025).
But beyond the financial aspects, the sale also reflects a mindset shift at Mercedes-Benz. According to Nico Dettmer, Global Head of Mercedes-Benz Charging Solutions, as quoted by Electrive, the company aims to make fast charging “even more accessible and convenient” for its customers.
At the same time as selling its network to Electra, Mercedes-Benz adds the French company’s 800 European chargers to its ‘Premium Partner’-network. This gives Mercedes-Benz drivers more convenience.
The Electra chargers are now available in the Mercedes-Benz Ecosystem, with preferential rates and the option to reserve a charger in a wider network.
For Belgian Mercedes-Benz drivers using the brand’s MB.CHARGE services, the operation seamlessly adds the Electra chargers, often found at Delhaize supermarkets in Belgium, among other locations.
The French operator added its first flash charger in Belgium in 2026. In Germany, expanding access to Electrify America fast chargers through the Mercedes-Benz ecosystem will also facilitate EV travel.
Consolidation in the European fast charger network
In giving up its proprietary network, Mercedes-Benz is hedging its bets. Together with other manufacturers, it also partly owns the Ionity joint venture, one of Electra’s competitors in the European fast-charging market.
On the other hand, both Ionity and Electra are part of the European ChargeLeague (formerly Spark Alliance), together with Fastned and Alante. ChargeLeague aims to make fast charging more seamless for EV drivers across Europe.
The integration of the Mercedes-Benz charging network can be seen as part of a broader consolidation move in the European fast-charger landscape. Electra has been expanding aggressively in Europe, both organically through building out its own chargers and through acquisitions.
As cited by Electrive, Electra Germany’s General Manager, Paul Tonini, says the market will increasingly consolidate around larger providers. According to Tonini, fast-charging network operators face significant challenges, and the high costs can only be addressed by companies with sufficient scale.
