AutomotiveNov 3, 2026, 1:55 PM UTC·2 min read

Mercedes-Benz Sells Its European Charging Network to Electra

Mercedes-Benz is handing its 47 European charging stations, with 374 charge points, to French operator Electra, for an undisclosed sum.

Mercedes-Benz electric car plugged into an ultra-fast charging station at an Electra site in Germany. — Image: Numerama

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Mercedes-Benz is giving up on running its own fast-charging network in Europe. The carmaker announced on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, that it is selling all 47 of its European stations, totalling 374 charge points, to French operator Electra. The price was not disclosed, although Mercedes' quarterly report valued the network at 99 million euros.

Most of the sites are in Germany (31) and Austria (6). The rest are spread across other countries.

From 10,000 chargers to an exit

In early 2023, Mercedes set out to build 10,000 chargers across 2,000 sites in North America, China and Europe by 2030. Since then, the economics have changed. Electric model sales have softened, pricing pressure in China has grown and margins are eroding, forcing the group to cut non-strategic spending. Pouring concrete, negotiating high-voltage grid connections and maintaining chargers of up to 400 kW is costly, with uncertain returns.

Mercedes is not alone. Audi's premium Charging Hub lounges have remained a fairly niche showcase, and Renault has struggled to roll out its Mobilize Fast Charge stations, since renamed Plug Inn fast charge. Apart from Tesla, no European carmaker appears strong enough to compete with specialist operators. Chinese manufacturers, however, plan to launch their own networks in Europe, notably for ultra-powerful chargers such as BYD's Flash Charging.

What changes for drivers and for Electra

Electra's German network grows from 50 to 81 stations, a 62% increase, and it also takes over 6 sites in Austria and about ten elsewhere. The operator now claims more than 800 stations and 5,000 charge points in 10 European countries.

Electra also becomes the preferred partner of MB.CHARGE Public, Mercedes' charging service. Mercedes drivers keep preferential rates, remote charger reservation and integration into the MBUX system across Electra's network.

Electra chief executive Aurélien de Meaux called the deal "a key step for Electra in Germany and across Europe". The company plans to invest 200 million euros in Germany starting next year and aims for 15,000 fast-charging points in Europe by 2030.