In the second quarter of 2023, BMW AG, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and GM and Stellantis AG announced a new joint venture to create a new high-speed charging network in North America. Recently, the new company, called ionna, has received regulatory approval to begin operations, and ionna aims to become a fast-charging infrastructure that provides convenience, convenience, and reliability in North America to significantly enhance the appeal of BEVs to consumers in the U.S. market.
According to information released by ionna, ionna's goal is to build at least 30,000 high-power charging stations throughout North America, with the goal of powering from renewable energy and supporting the development of pure electric technology from seven car brands. Ionna expects to open its first charging station in the U.S. in 2024, with plans to expand further into the Canadian region. Each station will be equipped with multiple high-power charging plugs to facilitate long-distance travel with all-electric driving.
The Ionna high-speed charging network will offer a choice of NACS or CCS charging specifications, and will provide a charging convenience that is highly integrated with the vehicle, including peripheral integration, including toilets, food service and merchandising services, etc., and will be set up in a location that is convenient for driving to charge, and a canopy configuration will be provided at the charging station where possible to enhance the convenience of customers when charging. In addition to charging booking, smart route planning and navigation, payment apps, transparent energy management, and other features, the ionna high-speed charging network is expected to integrate the plug-and-play functionality of charging stations into future new vehicle systems, in addition to charging booking, smart route planning and navigation, and other features.