GM-Backed IONNA Launches First “Rechargery” EV Charging Station in Apex, N.C.

Apex, N.C. – If you own an electric vehicle (EV), it might be time to visit the “Rechargery.” That’s the name given to a new nationwide EV charging network, IONNA, which has been rolled out to offer convenient and attractive charging options for EV owners. Backed by General Motors and seven other major automakers, IONNA is dedicated to creating a reliable and customer-focused experience for drivers looking for a place to power up their electric vehicles.

This week, IONNA officially launched its first location in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, marking a significant milestone for the new charging network. The Apex, N.C. Rechargery features 10 charging bays and supports both NACS and CCS charging standards. Each charging bay is equipped with up to 400 kW of fast-charging capacity, providing a quick and efficient way for EV owners to recharge during their travels.

The launch of the Apex location is a step toward fulfilling IONNA's vision of revolutionizing the charging experience for consumers. As Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Commercial Growth Strategies and Operations, explained, the IONNA Rechargery is a far cry from the typical fast chargers that EV owners are used to seeing in the back of a grocery store parking lot. With improved aesthetics and added amenities, IONNA is focused on creating a welcoming environment that addresses clear consumer feedback about what they want in a charging stop.

“For EV drivers used to nondescript fast chargers in the back of a grocery store parking lot, this IONNA Rechargery is going to provide a dramatically improved experience,” Aldred said. “The connection between those of us developing EVs and a company building out charging helps ensure an easy, reliable experience.”

IONNA’s Apex Rechargery is just the beginning. The company has ambitious plans to expand this network, with the goal of creating a coast-to-coast charging network that will eventually extend north into Canada. The opening of the Apex location marks the transition from a public beta to a nationwide rollout. By the end of the year, IONNA plans to have 1,000 live charging bays across the country, helping to ensure that EV owners can access charging stations when and where they need them most.

The Apex Rechargery offers more than just charging stations—it’s a complete service stop designed with convenience in mind. Customers can enjoy snacks, restrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and even a pet-friendly environment. This new approach to EV charging aims to elevate the experience by offering essential amenities to make long-distance EV travel more enjoyable.

“Part of GM Energy’s mission is taking customer needs and applying our expertise to help make EV ownership easier and more accessible to all,” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy. “The work we’re doing with IONNA addresses three things that stand out most: more public charging bays, more reliability, and more amenities. It’s great to see the vision come to life here in Apex.”

As IONNA expands, new technologies are being introduced to enhance the charging experience even further. The company plans to soon introduce automated grab-and-go refreshments enabled by AI computer vision technology. This system will allow customers to pick their snacks and walk out without the need for checkout lines, further streamlining the experience. Additionally, seamless plug-and-charge capabilities for GM vehicles visiting IONNA locations will make the charging process even more effortless.

"This is more than just putting chargers in the ground," said Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA. "IONNA is building an experience, putting drivers’ interests at the forefront of every decision. Along with our founding OEM partners, we will redefine what reliable charging looks like in North America and give drivers a true choice, from the showroom to the open road.”

IONNA is already looking to expand further with more Rechargery locations opening or coming soon across the U.S. The company currently has 100 sites locked in and continues to push forward with its plans to transform the charging experience. As IONNA grows, the company is committed to supporting the increasing number of EVs on the road and helping to make electric transportation more accessible and convenient for drivers nationwide.

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