Latest news with #Ionna
Axios
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Ionna EV charging network aims to raise the bar on Tesla
Tesla's Supercharger network has long been the gold standard for EV charging, but Ionna, a new network backed by eight major automakers, is raising the stakes. Why it matters: With Ionna, the carmakers' goal is to build a rival charging network that offers faster charging and unique amenities. That means reliable, 400 kW charging under lighted canopies, along with coffee, bathrooms, food, and spaces to hang out or take meetings. Think gas station, only better — and electric. Catch up quick: Less than two years old, Ionna is a joint venture between BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota. It's modeled after a similar pan-European network called Ionity that was created by some of the same players. Ionna's goal is to open 30,000 charging bays across the U.S. by 2030 — roughly the same number of plugs Tesla has today, but with faster speeds. The fastest Tesla chargers deliver up to 250 kW of power; Ionna chargers provide 400 kW. Where it stands: The first 12 "Rechargeries" are now open, providing a total of 120 charging bays, with plans for 1,000 by the end of this year. For now, 60% of the bays have CCS connectors, the most common type of plug, and 40% have Tesla's NACS connector, which is gradually becoming the industry standard. That ratio will shift as the NACS transition continues. Ionna also has a partnership to open Rechargeries at 50 Sheetz convenience store locations by 2026, with incentives and loyalty programs rolling out this year. Zoom in: The first Rechargery in Apex, North Carolina, is in a former gas station, where the service shop is now a cafe. Another, in Garner, North Carolina, features Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology in the snack shop. Other Rechargeries have opened in Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Arizona, and Missouri, with California up next. "We're experimenting with different business models," CEO Seth Cutler tells Axios. "We want to make sure the driver experience they have is better, bar none, than what they'd have at a gas station today."
Axios
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Electric vehicle charging gets a badly needed do-over
Electric vehicle charging has been a mess for years — with inconvenient, inoperable and isolated stations holding back EV adoption. Now, the industry is experiencing a rare do-over, with a greater focus on amenities, safety, reliability and brand loyalty. Call it Charging 2.0. Why it matters: Automakers have invested $130 billion since 2019 to electrify their fleets, overhaul their factories and establish new battery supply chains in the U.S. But it could all be wasted if they can't reassure potential EV buyers that they'll have someplace to plug in. It's in their interest to get charging right, and so they're spending more, despite disappearing government incentives under the Trump administration. Driving the news: Eight EV manufacturers have banded together in a joint venture called Ionna, which recently started building the first of 30,000 public EV fast-chargers across the U.S. by 2030. A second joint venture, Chargescape — founded by some of those same auto companies — is working on smart home charging, with the goal of putting money back into the pockets of EV owners. Those JVs are in addition to networks built by Mercedes-Benz and Rivian under their own brands, and GM's growing network with EVGo and Pilot Flying J travel centers. The intrigue: Retailers are getting in on the act, too, convinced that having their own branded charging networks — instead of hosting other networks' chargers — will drive business to their stores and build customer loyalty. Walmart, for example, plans to install EV charging stations at thousands of its locations by 2030, rivaling the size of Tesla's Supercharger network. Canada's ON the RUN convenience store chain tied charging at its network to its broader customer loyalty program, with discounts and loyalty points that can be redeemed in its stores. EV charging's first wave was a frantic push to stick chargers in the ground, wherever incentives, real estate or ample electricity were available, explained Loren McDonald, chief analyst at Paren, an EV research firm. Back then, charging companies tried to make money selling hardware and software, or by taking a cut on the sale of electricity. The hope was that growing EV adoption would eventually boost utilization rates and generate profits, which didn't happen, McDonald said. Plus, early business models didn't consider who would maintain those chargers, which is why they often fell into disrepair. What's next: Charging 2.0 is a more strategic, data-based approach, with an emphasis on improving the customer experience — and selling more EVs, says McDonald. Look for less expansion in rural markets as prescribed under a Biden-era highway charging program — now paused under Trump — and more chargers in cities and suburbs where EV sales are growing. Better amenities are coming, too — WiFi, food and beverages, and even things as simple as windshield squeegees and trash cans.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Look Out, Tesla: Ionna EV Charging Stations Are Here, and They're Good
Ever since the debut of the first Tesla Supercharger station, non-Tesla EV drivers have wondered, "Why can't someone else do that?" Which is to say, why can't anyone else build DC fast-charge stations that are reliable and located in close proximity to civilization—restaurants, a downtown, or at least a convenience store? The general answer is that a quality EV charging network requires the backing of an organization that's well funded, organized, and motivated, and the non-Tesla charge ecosystem has always been a patchwork of half-interested dabblers slapping up fickle chargers in the trash-strewn corners of your local big-box parking lot. But I am pleased to say there is hope, for I have visited an Ionna charger, and it's everything that chargers should have been from the start. Ionna is funded by eight automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. (Notably absent from that list is Volkswagen, which probably regards Electrify America as its court-ordered contribution to the cause.) The organization's goal is to build out a charge network to rival Tesla's, even while embracing Tesla's NACS plugs. That means fast, reliable charging, in appealing locations. I visited the first Ionna station, in Apex, North Carolina, and it's proof that Tesla isn't the only company that can figure out how to do this. I arrived in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a fine candidate for a fast charge. The Apex Ionna is at a repurposed gas station a block from shops and restaurants downtown, and I initially pulled up to the wrong place. What I thought was a charger was in fact a windshield washer fluid dispenser mounted above an air compressor—what a great idea. The chargers, which wear the same vaguely Gulf blue livery, are out back. They're handsome, with a vaguely retro design, four cords with NACS Tesla plugs, and six for the Hyundai's CCS format. All the chargers are 400 kW, and there's no proprietary app required. Swipe a card and you're in business. The greeting screen at the chargers advertised an introductory price of $0.48 per kWh, which equates to "somewhat less than you'd pay for gas for a given amount of mileage." There's nothing much to say about the rest of the charge process, which is the best thing I can say about it. I watched the charge rate climb near 200 kW, and then I wandered off to explore the rest of the twee-ly named Rechargery. There was a food truck parked outside and not yet open, but its proprietor soon arrived and opened the bakery and coffee shop inside. There's a lounge area with desks for working, bathrooms, and even two conference rooms that you can reserve and unlock via an app, if your grind mindset extends to business meetings while you charge. Nobody was using those, but a Polestar 2 driver walked in, saw the wall-mounted arcade console, and declared, "This is sick!" By the time I finished my coffee and a cinnamon roll, the 5 N was charged up and ready to go. None of this was revolutionary, and yet it was. The first time I had to charge an electric car, a Nissan Leaf, I had to plug it into a wall outlet in a ground-level hotel room overnight. I've encountered more out-of-order chargers than I can remember, spent 24 hours on a Level 2 charger, and waited in line just to get a turn at a terrible charger in a desolate parking lot. The best experiences were always at Tesla Superchargers, and those were a walled garden of competence. But now Superchargers are available to non-Teslas, and Ionna's chargers are offering an even better product to anyone with an EV. There is competition in the realm of chargers, finally. The Ionna in Apex shows what the future of charging can look like. Now all they have to do is build a few thousand more. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Car manufacturers are making a huge move that could transform EV travel: 'They will make good on their goals'
An alliance of eight automakers has breathed new life into expanded nationwide electric vehicle charging opportunities. A news release from Ionna — founded by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota — detailed plans to deploy 1,000 charging stalls by the end of the year. That would provide coast-to-coast travel with powerups along the way, per the statement. The larger goal is to open 30,000 of the American-made DC fast-charging bays during the next five years, according to Ionna and Car and Driver. It's an appealing prospect for EV owners who have been seeing mixed news lately about charging infrastructure investment. "They have steel and concrete in the ground with electrons flowing. I'd say they will make good on their goals," an Electrek reader, identified as Jim B., commented on a story about the project. In 2024, hundreds of millions of dollars was allocated by the U.S. government to build out and update the nation's charging system. But federal funding for the network has been paused by the Trump administration, according to NPR and a White House statement. Ionna announced its pilot phase included more than 4,400 charges of more than 80 vehicle models. Now, more than 100 sites are contracted around the country to deploy the tech in cities including Houston, Texas, and Abilene, Kansas. A reliable national charging system is important. Cox Automotive reported that new EV sales volume hit 102,243 in January. That's up nearly 30% from the previous year, and used EV sales rose 30.5% year-to-year too. The used market highlights growing battery reliability and longevity. What's more, Goldman Sachs reported the packs could see a 50% price drop by 2026. And while Sustainability by Numbers predicted that around 30 million tons of minerals will need to be mined each year to build all the batteries and other tech for our cleaner-energy transition, it still pales in comparison to the 16.5 billion tons of air-polluting fossil fuels hauled from underground annually. Also, once coal or gas is burnt for energy, the resource is gone, with heat-trapping air pollution left as a byproduct. Those fumes are linked by NASA to increased risks for severe weather, including damaging wildfires and coastal storms. Metals used in batteries, however, can be recycled. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. It's still a good time to switch to an EV, with tax breaks worth thousands of dollars for new and used rides available. That's in addition to $1,500 in gas/maintenance costs you can save annually. And more charging options are seemingly on the way. Tesla operates more than 60,000 Superchargers worldwide, 27,000 of them stateside. Most of the stalls are accessible to non-Teslas with an adapter. The growing network can provide up to 200 miles in about 15 minutes. Increasing the convenience, an Ionna site in Garner, North Carolina, is to have a food/refreshment service available 24/7 without lines, thanks to an automated process made possible by Amazon. It's part of an experience touted as being "AI-driven" and "innovation-rich," per the release. It is also a glimpse into the roadside rest stop future. "Ionna has refined its hardware, software, and customer experience to confidently step into a new phase of nationwide expansion," the developers wrote. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ionna goes all-in on Americana vibe, customer service for its EV rechargeries
APEX, N.C. – Ionna is betting on nostalgia to drive the electric vehicle transition forward. Cheeky signs adorn the walls in Ionna's signature retro script at its first EV charging station here. 'Espresso yourself' marks the café. 'How you fillin'?' locates the vending machines. A toilet paper illustration hangs outside the restrooms, noting they are: 'The softest detour on your journey.' Ionna, the charging joint venture founded by eight major automakers, has embraced a vintage Americana aesthetic for its charging stations, called 'rechargeries,' with amenities for both the EV and the driver to recharge. The lighthearted, familiar voice of Ionna was carefully curated to build trust with the customer. A 24/7 phone line goes straight to Ionna's human-staffed call center, and a QR code on the charging station's door gives drivers access to restrooms, vending machines and meeting spaces at any time of day or night. 'What we wanted to do was build a brand that wasn't about the green message. That wasn't about the environment. That wasn't about the tech. This is about the driver,' said Ricardo Stamatti, chief product officer. Sign up for the weekly Automotive News Mobility Report newsletter for the latest developments at the intersection of transportation and technology. A funky orange, navy and aqua color palette and round, chunky script take drivers back to the days when cars symbolized freedom and adventure. A mural of a family cruising in a classic car is painted on the side of the rechargery here in Ionna's signature hues. Ionna crafted its image and voice to create the at-your-service experience 'of what flying used to be and the experience of what Americana road-tripping used to be,' Stamatti said. 'It's about us and you.' Poor public charger reliability has hindered EV adoption. About a fifth of public charging attempts failed in the third quarter of 2024, according to J.D. Power. In early February, six Ionna locations with 58 charging plugs were open. Ionna plans to open more than 100 sites with more than 1,000 charging bays this year. Drivers' experience at the chargers will ultimately define Ionna's image, Stefan Lysak, marketing lead at Roland Berger consultancy, said. But the company's branding helps set it apart. 'There's an opportunity to stand out in the marketplace, which they've achieved with this,' he said. 'Anything that creates a feel-good factor is both novel and welcome … specifically in EVs.' Ionna displays important information on screens on the sides of the chargers. Prompts show customers — with images and text available in English, Spanish and French — how to pay by card, through a mobile app or via plug and charge. They also include charging and cost details and a 24-hour customer service phone number. The monitors have buttons, rather than touchscreens, because faulty touchscreens are often the reason chargers cannot be used, Stamatti said. Energizing EV batteries can take 30 minutes or longer depending on the vehicle and the charger. To pass the time at Ionna's Apex Rechargery, drivers can order coffee or a meal from the café, purchase a snack and drink from the vending machines, take calls in one of two conference rooms and play retro video games on the Polycade. Ionna distributes flyers about nearby events and a map to the historic Apex downtown, a few blocks south of the chargers. One flyer includes a QR code to Apex's tourism website, history on the railroad town, directions to an outdoor sculpture walk and information about the city's cultural arts center. The vintage imagery, community feel, familiar voice and bold color palette are a 'strategic asset for the company, just as important as the tech and the automakers,' Stamatti said. BMW, Honda, General Motors, Stellantis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota founded Ionna, and leaders from each company have a seat on the board. But their brands are intentionally invisible at Ionna's rechargeries. 'We didn't want to be perceived as something that was built by committee,' Stamatti said. 'For Ionna to be successful, one of the main principles is that it truly does operate like an independent company.' That means the customer comes first. As Ionna's website says, 'Customer service isn't the cherry on top, it's the whole sundae.' Have an opinion about this story? Tell us about it and we may publish it in print. Click here to submit a letter to the editor.
