AITO Owners Gain Exclusive Premium EV Charging Benefits Through IONCHI’s Nationwide Charging Network
AITO owners can now access exclusive electric vehicle (EV) charging benefits across IONCHI’s nationwide premium charging network, enhancing convenience for drivers visiting prime commercial districts and high-end shopping malls across China. Through AITO’s shareholding in IONCHI, verified and authorized vehicle owners can enjoy special charging privileges, including service fee discounts, charging reservations and priority power allocation at eligible IONCHI premium stations.
The initiative is designed to improve the charging experience for AITO customers by making premium charging services more accessible and convenient. Owners can access the benefits through the AITO Charging app or the AITO Charging WeChat mini program by scanning a QR code and completing the required verification process. Once verified, eligible users can take advantage of exclusive privileges available to owners of vehicles from IONCHI’s shareholder brands.
One of the key benefits is an ongoing 30% discount on charging service fees for verified AITO owners. The discount provides a cost-saving opportunity for customers who regularly use IONCHI’s premium charging facilities, particularly in major urban commercial areas where convenient access to charging infrastructure is increasingly important.
The program reflects the companies’ efforts to connect electric vehicle ownership with a more seamless charging experience. By combining special pricing, reservation options and streamlined charging procedures, the initiative aims to reduce friction for drivers while supporting the continued development of premium EV charging services.
AITO Owners Receive Exclusive Charging Privileges
The new benefits are available to verified or authorized AITO owners using the AITO Charging app or the AITO Charging WeChat mini program. Through these digital platforms, eligible customers can access the special privileges offered at IONCHI premium charging stations nationwide.
The benefits include discounts on charging service fees, the ability to reserve charging services and priority power allocation. These features are intended to make charging more predictable and convenient, particularly for drivers visiting busy commercial locations.
The ongoing 30% discount on charging service fees is a central component of the program. As one of IONCHI’s shareholders, AITO provides its verified owners with access to this exclusive benefit at eligible premium stations. The discount applies to charging service fees, rather than necessarily reducing every component of the total charging cost.
The availability of reservations and priority power allocation also gives customers additional options when planning charging stops. These services can be particularly useful in high-traffic urban areas, where charging demand may fluctuate depending on location and time.
By providing access to a network of premium stations, the initiative seeks to strengthen the ownership experience for AITO customers while encouraging the use of dedicated EV charging infrastructure.
Plug & Charge Simplifies the Charging Process
In addition to discounted charging services, AITO owners can use the Plug & Charge feature to simplify the process of starting and paying for a charging session at eligible IONCHI charging piles.
After logging in to the AITO Charging app or the AITO Charging WeChat mini program and enabling Plug & Charge, users can connect their vehicles to compatible charging equipment. The system is designed to recognize the vehicle automatically, initiate charging and streamline payment.
This process reduces the need to complete several manual steps, such as scanning a QR code, selecting a charging pile and arranging payment for each session. By simplifying these interactions, Plug & Charge can make the charging experience more convenient for drivers who regularly use participating stations.
The feature is particularly relevant as electric vehicles become more integrated into everyday transportation. A smoother charging process can help reduce the time and effort required to access public charging infrastructure, making charging stops easier to incorporate into daily travel and longer journeys.
Automatic vehicle recognition and streamlined payment also illustrate how digital services can complement physical charging infrastructure. Together, connected applications, compatible vehicles and charging equipment can provide a more integrated experience for EV owners.
Availability depends on the relevant charging equipment and service eligibility, so customers should use the AITO Charging app or mini program to confirm access at participating stations.
IONCHI Expands Its Premium Charging Network Across China
IONCHI is a joint venture established by BMW, AITO and Mercedes-Benz. The company has focused on developing a premium EV charging network in prime urban commercial districts, including locations associated with major shopping and commercial destinations.
According to the announcement, IONCHI has built 606 premium charging stations and deployed more than 3,300 charging piles in major cities across China. This network provides the infrastructure through which eligible vehicle owners can access the newly announced charging benefits.
The company’s focus on prominent urban locations reflects an approach that places charging convenience alongside the broader customer experience. Commercial districts and high-end shopping malls can provide practical charging destinations for drivers who want to charge their vehicles while shopping, attending appointments or carrying out other activities.
A strategically located charging network can also help integrate EV charging into daily urban life. Rather than treating charging as a separate journey, drivers may be able to combine charging stops with their regular activities.
IONCHI’s nationwide network expansion and premium positioning are intended to serve customers seeking accessible and convenient charging options in major Chinese cities. The availability of exclusive shareholder-brand benefits adds another layer to the service by linking vehicle ownership with access to participating charging infrastructure.
Shareholder Collaboration Strengthens the EV Charging Experience
AITO’s shareholding in IONCHI underpins the exclusive benefits available to its verified owners. The arrangement demonstrates how collaboration between automotive brands and charging network operators can connect vehicle ownership with charging services.
As the electric vehicle market develops, access to reliable charging infrastructure and convenient digital services remains an important part of the overall ownership experience. Automakers and charging providers can work together to address these needs through coordinated applications, charging access, customer benefits and network development.
The IONCHI program combines these elements by offering AITO owners discounted service fees, reservations, priority power allocation and access to Plug & Charge at compatible stations. These features are intended to improve convenience while providing customers with additional value from their vehicle brand’s participation in the charging network.
The partnership also reflects the importance of the wider EV ecosystem. Vehicle manufacturers, charging network operators and digital service providers all contribute to how customers experience electric mobility. Initiatives that connect these elements can help make public charging more accessible and user-friendly.
IONCHI Announces Nationwide Brand Refresh
Alongside the expansion of customer benefits, IONCHI plans to introduce a brand refresh, with signage at its stations nationwide to be updated gradually.
The planned refresh will provide an opportunity to create a more consistent visual identity across the company’s premium charging network. As the network grows, clear and recognizable station signage can help customers identify charging locations and strengthen awareness of the IONCHI brand.
The gradual implementation means that signage updates will take place over time across stations throughout China. The announcement does not specify a completion date for the nationwide refresh.
The branding initiative complements IONCHI’s broader focus on premium charging services and customer convenience. Combined with its existing infrastructure and the introduction of shareholder-brand benefits, the refresh represents another step in the company’s ongoing development of its network.
Supporting the Future of Premium Electric Mobility
The introduction of exclusive charging benefits for AITO owners highlights the growing connection between electric vehicle brands, digital services and public charging infrastructure. By extending these privileges across IONCHI’s nationwide premium network, the companies aim to make charging more convenient for customers in major urban commercial districts.
The ongoing 30% discount on charging service fees, together with reservations, priority power allocation and Plug & Charge functionality, provides AITO owners with several ways to improve their charging experience. The network’s 606 premium stations and more than 3,300 charging piles offer the infrastructure supporting the program across major cities in China.
IONCHI’s planned nationwide brand refresh further demonstrates its intention to develop a consistent premium charging experience as its operations evolve.
As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, coordinated initiatives between automakers and charging providers can play an important role in improving accessibility and convenience. Through its participation in IONCHI, AITO is connecting its customers with a broader charging ecosystem designed to support everyday electric mobility and deliver additional benefits to verified vehicle owners.
