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Fast Charging Network IONNA: Ionity in American Style

IONNA, the joint venture announced in July 2023 to establish a fast-charging network in North America, is now officially commencing operations following regulatory approval.

Like Ionity in Europe: Behind IONNA stands an alliance of car manufacturers. | Photo: IONNA
Like Ionity in Europe: Behind IONNA stands an alliance of car manufacturers. | Photo: IONNA
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Gregor Soller

The name sounds familiar: Behind IONNA is a joint venture of seven car manufacturers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. This "alliance" is partly known in Europe from Ionity. With Seth Cutler, who takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer on February 1, 2024, IONNA aims to build one of the most accessible and reliable fast-charging networks in North America and plans to set up at least 30,000 fast-charging points.

IONNA aims to impress with comfort

IONNA's charging network will be accessible to all electric vehicles with NACS or CCS connectors, aiming to provide a seamless charging experience. According to the press release, this is to be achieved by offering various features and amenities such as restrooms, dining, and retail facilities in close proximity or within the same complex, digital integration, and attractive locations.

Stations are planned to be equipped with canopies "where possible" to make the charging experience even more pleasant. The network's functions and services will be seamlessly integrated into the respective vehicle and app services of the participating manufacturers - including reservations, smart route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management, and additional features.

Ideally always powered by renewables

 IONNA's charging stations are expected to be powered by renewable energy and supported by the combined commitment to quality and reliability as well as the resources of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers. The “at least 30,000 high-power charging points” are to be strategically distributed across the USA and Canada. The joint venture plans to open the first charging stations in the United States in 2024, with expansion to Canada planned at a later date. Each location is to have multiple high-power chargers to facilitate long-distance travel.

CEO Seth Cutler brings experience with him

 Cutler brings a wealth of experience in the fields of electromobility and charging to build and lead the joint venture. Cutler played a key role in expanding the network of charging station manufacturers as "Senior Vice President of Technical Operations" at EV Connect. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Operations Officer there, initiating valuable projects to transform the company from the startup phase to the growth phase.

Before joining EV Connect, Cutler led the development and implementation of a powerful charging network as Chief Engineer in the early phase of Electrify America. He began his career at General Electric (GE), where he held positions such as General Manager of EV Infrastructure. In this role, he focused on the development, manufacturing, and provision of charging stations, significantly contributing to GE's presence in the field of electromobility. He explains:

 What does this mean?

Even in the USA and Canada, there is no competing with Tesla's own charging network. So now vehicle manufacturers are catching up: IONNA LLC is a limited liability company founded by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. By the end of the 2020s, IONNA aims to become a leading force in providing a comfortable, accessible, and reliable fast-charging infrastructure in North America to significantly increase the attractiveness of emissions-free driving. It will be exciting to see how this develops.

 

Translated automatically from German.
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