EV CHARGING

New IONNA Charging Network Begins Operations in North America

February 14, 2024

IONNA, a joint charging venture by seven major automakers, received approval from regulatory agencies.
The company plans to deploy a minimum of 30,000 chargers, with the first expected to open in the U.S. in 2024, followed by Canada.
Seth Cutler, formerly of EV Connect, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

In July 2023, IONNA was announced as a new powerhouse joint venture aiming to reshape North American EV charging infrastructure and create a new EV charging network. Officially greenlit by regulatory authorities, IONNA was formed by seven heavyweight backers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. With an ambitious rollout plan, the company is set to deploy no fewer than 30,000 high-powered charging stations.

IONNA Leadership Has Solid EV Background

With Seth Cutler at the helm of IONNA as CEO, the venture is equipped with unparalleled expertise. His tenure as Senior Vice President at EV Connect saw an impressive expansion of partnerships with charging station manufacturers, ushering in a nationwide boom in accessible charging options.

Prior to his influential role at EV Connect, Cutler was at the forefront of EV charging technology with Electrify America. As Chief Engineer, his work laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most potent high-powered charging networks. Cutler’s distinguished journey began at General Electric, where his tenure spanned dynamic positions, culminating in the role of General Manager of EV Infrastructure.

Aiming to Transform the Charging Station Experience

IONNA is set to redefine the experience of charging an electric vehicle, crafting an inclusive network compatible with all electric vehicles using the North American Charging Standard (NACS) or Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors. With the incorporation of service areas that feature restrooms, food options, and retail establishments, IONNA intends to transform charging stops into convenient respite hubs.

Beyond the physical comforts, the network’s digital prowess facilitates a harmonious synergy with automakers’ existing ecosystems, offering vehicle-integrated services such as seamless reservation systems, intelligent route planning, intuitive navigation, streamlined payment processes, and a plethora of in-app functionalities.

IONNA’s ambitious vision extends to an eco-conscious footprint, with charging stations designed to operate on renewable energy sources. The goal is to deploy a formidable network of at least 30,000 high-powered charging stations, ensuring that drivers can traverse North America with the peace of mind that comes from reliable, sustainable power.

The launch of the first charging stations in the United States is slated for 2024, marking the beginning of a grand plan that includes subsequent expansion into Canadian territories. Each charging site will host multiple high-powered chargers — compatible with either a NACS connector or a CCS connector — to efficiently accommodate long-distance travelers across a vast fast charging infrastructure.