According to media reports, automotive supplier Bosch has announced that it will terminate its electric vehicle (EV) charging service by the end of the first quarter this year. In an email to customers, the company stated that it will cease its "charging service operations" on March 31, 2025. Bosch had just entered a new partnership for charging services last year.
In the email, Bosch wrote: "We find ourselves in a highly competitive market, and the growth of this market has fallen far short of expectations. Therefore, we will terminate your 'Charge My EV' service contract under the terms of 'duration, termination,' effective March 31, 2025. After this date, you will no longer be able to use the charging service."
Starting April 1, customers will no longer be able to log in, charge, or make payments, nor will they have access to their data. RFID charging cards will also become unusable. Bosch stated that customers' personal data will be deleted within two months.
In January 2024, Bosch partnered with Lotus Cars, a subsidiary of Geely, for EV charging services. Buyers of Lotus EVs could use Bosch's charging network to access over 600,000 public charging stations across 30 European countries, with a strong presence in key markets such as the UK, Germany, and France. Additionally, in 2023, Maserati, a Stellantis brand, also formed a charging partnership with Bosch. With Bosch exiting the charging service business, Lotus and Maserati may need to find new charging service providers.
Bosch's close scrutiny of certain business areas is not surprising. In November 2023, Bosch announced plans to cut 5,500 jobs worldwide, including 3,800 positions in Germany. However, these plans have not been finalized. The company stated that the layoffs would focus on its driver assistance and autonomous driving divisions, as well as its Hildesheim plant, which produces electric motors.
