Last year, a consortium of seven major automakers, including BMW, Honda, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, unveiled plans for a collaborative effort to establish accessible public DC fast charging infrastructure across the United States and Canada. The resultant entity, Ionna, has disclosed that its headquarters will be situated in Durham, North Carolina, featuring a specialised “Quarterback Lab” designed to assist each participating car manufacturer in addressing charging-related issues post-software updates, resolving customer concerns more efficiently, and conducting interoperability testing. This strategic move signals Ionna’s proactive approach to rectifying EV charging challenges in the US.
Moreover, Ionna has hinted at the possibility of incorporating “new partners” into its consortium, although the nature of these additions remains ambiguous. These partners could potentially include additional automakers, local and state governments, utilities, or retail entities, as Ionna expands its scope and offerings.
The company plans to establish seven such labs nationwide and aims to have several DC fast chargers operational by the end of 2024. Furthermore, it envisions deploying over 30,000 chargers in densely populated urban areas, along key highway routes, and along popular vacation destinations.
In addition to its infrastructure development goals, Ionna is committed to fostering economic growth in the Durham region by creating 203 new jobs as part of its USD 10.1 million investment, thereby edging out a competing location in Texas.
Ionna is pioneering a new approach to public fast charging, placing a strong emphasis on addressing the evolving needs of customers and drivers. Recognising charging as an integral part of the overall product experience, Ionna identifies four stages in the electrification process, with the current phase highlighting the importance of a robust charging network and amenities to facilitate widespread adoption of electric transportation.
The envisioned charging network will offer various amenities such as retail services, food options, restrooms, and covered charging stations for EVs, aiming to replicate the convenience and familiarity of traditional gas stations for American consumers.
The company has rapidly assembled a diverse team, drawing talent from within and outside the industry. CEO Seth Cutler brings extensive experience in EV charging infrastructure, having held prominent roles at GE Energy and Electrify America before assuming leadership at Ionna. Chief Product Officer Ricardo Stamatti, a founding member of Ionna, boasts a decade-long tenure at Stellantis, where he spearheaded energy initiatives. Other key executives include Derek Rush, formerly of BP, and Shankar Muthukumar, previously associated with Mortenson.
While Ionna initially planned to leverage federal funding, specifically from the NEVI program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, recent political challenges and delays have prompted the company to adjust its strategy. Despite uncertainties surrounding future political developments, Ionna remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing EV adoption and building infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of consumers.