BMW, Mercedes-Benz And Other Automakers Challenging Tesla Through Support Of New IONNA EV Charging Network

IONNA, a joint venture by seven major automakers, recently announced an ambitious plan to deploy over 30,000 chargers across the continent. If the organization's efforts come to fruition, it will become the leading high-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the region.

The joint venture, announced in July, has received regulatory approval to proceed with its plan. The partnership includes BMW, General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Hyundai Motor Co., Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, bringing together some of the biggest names in the automotive industry. Seth Cutler, an industry veteran formerly of EV Connect, is the CEO and brings a considerable amount of industry experience.

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IONNA’s charging network resembles the successful European network Ionity and aims to offer an integrated charging experience for all electric vehicles with North American Charging Standard (NACS) or Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors. The network will provide high-powered charging and offer amenities such as restrooms, food service and retail operations nearby or within the same complex, making the charging experience more convenient and comfortable for EV drivers.

The need for an expanded and reliable charging network is pressing. Studies indicate more than of 25% of charging stations are inoperable. The scale of the problem drove a directive from the Biden administration in January that offers $623 million in grant funding to repair, replace or improve more than 4,500 EV charging outlets in 20 states. The funding aligns with the administration's goal for at least 500,000 operational public charging stations in the United States by 2030. For comparison, a Bloomberg data study found the U.S. added nearly 1,100 public charging stations in the second half of 2023. 

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Other companies such as Electrify America are also moving toward building large-scale networks. The day before IONNA's most recent news, Electrify America announced a 20-charger station in San Francisco that offers safety and convenience with a secure lounge, restrooms, on-site security and Wi-Fi. 

One of the key features of IONNA’s network is its integration with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences. This integration will enable features such as reservations, route planning, payment applications and transparent energy management. The charging stations will use renewable energy to align with the sustainability goals of the network's automaker partners. 

Another firm improving access to EV charging is Dumanis Charge, a woman-owned provider of electric vehicle service equipment. 

IONNA’s rollout plan includes the establishment of a minimum of 30,000 high-powered charging stations throughout North America. The first of these stations is expected to open in the United States in 2024, with expansion into Canada planned for the future. IONNA aims to challenge the dominance of the Tesla Supercharger network and make zero-emission driving more accessible to millions of customers as EV ownership and interest continue to grow. 

IONNA’s launch represents a significant step forward in the development of EV charging infrastructure in North America. 

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