By A new EV charging network, called IONNA, has been launched by seven major automakers in North America. The network aims to offer a best-in-class charging experience for EV owners, with high-powered chargers, convenient locations, and digital integration. The network will also support Tesla vehicles, thanks to the NACS charging standard adopted by some of the participating automakers.
IONNA is a joint venture by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, which was announced in 2023 and received the regulatory approval in 2024. The network is led by Seth Cutler, a former executive of Electrify America and EV Connect, who has extensive experience in the EV charging industry.
The network plans to build at least 30,000 chargers in the US by 2030, and expand to Canada in the future. The network will use the CCS and NACS charging connectors, which are compatible with most of the EV models offered by the participating automakers. The network will also use renewable energy sources to power the chargers, and contribute to the sustainability goals of the automakers.
IONNA: A Best-in-Class Charging Experience for EV Owners
IONNA promises to offer a best-in-class charging experience for EV owners, by providing various amenities, such as restrooms, food service, and retail operations nearby or within the same complex, digital integration and appealing locations. The network will also offer canopies above the charging stalls, wherever possible, and the option of making reservations prior to charging sessions.
The network will also integrate with the participating automakers’ in-app and in-vehicle systems, to enable seamless route planning, navigation, and payment. The network will also provide customer service, education, and awareness programs, to enhance the satisfaction and safety of the EV owners.
IONNA: A Support for Tesla Vehicles, Thanks to NACS
IONNA will also support Tesla vehicles, thanks to the NACS charging standard adopted by some of the participating automakers, such as Ford and Stellantis. NACS, which stands for North American Common Connector System, is based on Tesla’s proprietary charging technology, and allows non-Tesla EVs to use Tesla’s Supercharger network, as well as other NACS-compatible chargers.
Tesla, however, is not a part of the IONNA joint venture, and has not commented on the network’s launch. Tesla has its own Supercharger network, which has over 25,000 chargers worldwide, and is widely regarded as the most advanced and reliable EV charging network. Tesla also offers its own charging adapters, which allow Tesla vehicles to use other charging networks, such as CCS and CHAdeMO.