Tesla may have rolled out its battery electric vehicle (BEV) supercharging network across countries including Australia, but Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have now combined forces to roll out rival recharging stations across Europe.

It appears like the automotive equivalent of a gangland attack, with 400 fast-recharging stations set to be paved across the Continent in what is being tagged as an “unprecedented collaboration (to) form a brand-independent network for charging infrastructure.”

BMW Group, Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz), Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group (Audi, Porsche) will have equal share in the Joint Venture agreement that can together ensure the power plug for BEVs and power recharging sites are compatible with all future offerings from each marque.

Porsche Mission E

“The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refueling at conventional gas stations,” the statement added.

Although contruction begins next year, by 2020 the quartet of automotive giants hope to have “thousands” of recharging sites rolled out across Europe, coinciding with the anticipated rise of BEV offerings from each. It even welcomes other manufacturers to invest – although we don’t yet know if the invitation extends to Tesla.

Mercedes Benz

Audi will offer its Q6 all-electric coupe-SUV and sportier VW Group sub-brand Porsche will also ramp up its plug-in offerings, with the Tesla Model S-rivalling Mission E all expected within the next few years.

Audi e tron quattro