Ionna takes on Tesla with new nationwide EV charging network

Credit: Ionna

Ionna, a joint venture founded by major automakers, is tackling one of the biggest barriers facing the electric vehicle (EV) industry today: reliable and accessible charging stations.  

The North Carolina-based company announced the official launch of its EV charging network on February 4, 2025, highlighting the beginning of the national roll out of Ionna’s new “Rechargeries.” The announcement comes just one year after a group of car makers, including BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota, began operations on their joint venture in North America. 

Since the industry's inception, access to reliable charging stations has hindered EV adoption in many parts of the country. Although Tesla, arguably the most well-known EV brand, has succeeded in creating a vast network of Superchargers across the country, making it possible to travel long distances in an EV, its chargers only work for Tesla vehicles and aren’t designed to charge other car brands. Ionna is taking a different approach. 

Ionna Rechargeries and Relay stations aim to make EV charging accessible and convenient for everyone. With one physical location in Apex, North Carolina, over 100 sites contracted, and plans to deploy more than 1,000 live charging bays by the end of 2025, Ionna is setting itself up to support long-distance EV travel and drivers who lack home charging capabilities.

Most EV charging stations are really just parking lots with chargers. They lack the convenience that many gas stations offer: customers can fill up their tanks, use the restroom, and stock up on snacks in one stop. The typical bare-bones nature of EV charging stations—combined with the time required to recharge a battery adequately—often discourages people from buying EVs. 

Ionna wants EV charging to look a lot more like fueling up at the local gas station. That’s why its Rechargeries include convenience stores, restrooms, and lounge areas in addition to their fast charging stations. Its most basic stations, known as Relay stations, will only offer restrooms and vending machines, while other locations will have Amazon-powered convenience stores with Just Walk Out technology.

Ionna’s EV charging network is designed with all EVs in mind, not just those manufactured by the founding automakers. Its charging infrastructure will be compatible with the Combined Charging System (CCS) most EVs use, as well as Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors. Ionna intends to accommodate charging for all EVs—standing in stark contrast to Tesla’s exclusive network—and has the potential to accelerate real growth in the industry.

The ambitious launch of the Rechargery network marks a significant milestone in the evolution of EV infrastructure. With plans to roll out 30,000 stations nationwide by 2030, Ionna aims to make EV travel a seamless experience for all drivers. Whether or not Ionna turns its goals into accomplishments remains to be seen, but the company's strong support from the auto industry and its early momentum show that the company may just play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EV charging.