IONNA Enters National EV Charging Rollout Phase with Ambitious Expansion Plans

IONNA, the joint venture backed by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota, has officially entered its full-scale national rollout phase after a year of rigorous testing and development. Announced on February 4, 2025, at the inaugural IONNA Rechargery in Apex, North Carolina, the transition from public beta to nationwide expansion marks a significant step in the automakers' mission to establish a premier electric vehicle charging network across the United States.

The announcement coincides with the opening of IONNA’s new headquarters and Customer Experience Lab in Durham, North Carolina. These facilities will serve as hubs for research, development, and customer support as the company scales its network across the country. The headquarters will also play a key role in ensuring that IONNA delivers a driver-centric charging experience that meets the needs of EV owners nationwide.

Since its formation in February 2024, IONNA has made substantial progress in building out its charging infrastructure. The company’s public beta phase provided critical insights, with over 4,400 charging sessions conducted across more than 80 unique vehicle models, delivering nearly 63,000 kilowatt-hours of energy. This extensive testing allowed IONNA to fine-tune its hardware, software, and service model before launching its full-scale rollout.

As part of its expansion, IONNA has already contracted over 100 charging sites across the United States. New Recharging locations have been established in Houston, Texas, and Abilene, Kansas, with additional locations planned in Willcox, Arizona, and several other states. These stations are designed to provide a premium charging experience, complete with modern amenities and high-speed chargers capable of delivering fast and reliable energy to EV drivers.

IONNA’s long-term vision is to build a nationwide charging network that emphasizes accessibility, reliability, and ease of use. The company plans to bring over 1,000 additional charging bays online in 2025 and has committed to deploying 30,000 charging bays over the next five years. This initiative represents a significant investment in American infrastructure, supporting job creation, technological innovation, and the broader transition to sustainable transportation.

In addition to expanding its charging footprint, IONNA is integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the driver experience. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, the Garner, North Carolina location will feature artificial intelligence-powered computer vision and sensor fusion technology to enable fully automated grab-and-go retail services. This is made possible through a collaboration with Amazon, leveraging its "Just Walk Out" technology to allow customers to purchase refreshments and essentials without waiting in traditional checkout lines.

Another major focus for IONNA in 2025 will be improving interoperability and user convenience. The company plans to expand its Plug & Charge technology to include more automakers, ensuring that a growing number of EVs can seamlessly connect to its network. Additional features such as AI-driven smart reservations, optimized routing, and in-car payment integration will further simplify the charging process for drivers, making IONNA one of the most advanced and integrated charging networks in the country.

The creation of IONNA is a response to the growing demand for a robust EV charging network in North America. The U.S. government initiated funding for fast-charging stations in 2022, and in 2023, Tesla began opening its Supercharger network to third-party brands, highlighting the need for more widespread and accessible charging infrastructure. Recognizing this gap, leading automakers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, GM, Stellantis, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia came together in July 2023 to form an independent charging network, leading to the official launch of IONNA in February 2024.

With a strong commitment to expanding EV charging infrastructure, IONNA aims to significantly impact EV adoption in the United States. By alleviating concerns about charging availability and reliability, the company hopes to make electric vehicles a more practical and attractive choice for drivers across the country. The collaboration between major automakers within IONNA underscores a shared vision for the future of mobility, one that prioritizes environmental responsibility, technological advancement, and consumer satisfaction.

As the EV market continues to grow, initiatives like IONNA will play a crucial role in shaping the transportation landscape. The company’s strategic partnerships, investment in advanced technology, and ambitious expansion plans position it as a key player in the transition to a cleaner and more efficient transportation system.

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