Question is, where is Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and the VW Group? Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – July 26, 2023 Seven major OEM automakers – GM, Stellantis, Hyundai/Kia, BMW, General Motors, Honda and Mercedes-Benz are poised to build an unprecedented new charging network joint venture that will significantly expand access to DCFCing in North America. The joint venture will include the development of a new design of high-powered DC Fast Charging network with at least 30,000 chargers to make zero-emission driving even more attractive for millions of customers. With the generational investments in public charging being implemented on the Federal and State level, the joint venture will leverage public and private funds to accelerate the installation of high-powered charging for customers. The new charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS) and are expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The joint venture is expected to be established this year, subject to regulatory approvals. The first stations are expected to open in the US next summer and in Canada at a later stage. Each site will be equipped with multiple high-powered DC chargers, making long-distance journeys charging easier for future customers. The charging network solely by renewable energy. Improving the Customer Experience The new DCFCing network will be designed to provide a seamless, vehicle integrated, best-in-class charging experience, based on renewable energy and supported by the quality, reliability, and resources of world-leading automakers. Focused on customer comfort and charging ease, the stations will be in convenient locations offering canopies wherever possible and amenities such as restrooms, food service and retail operations either nearby or within the same complex. A select number of flagship stations will be equipped with additional amenities, delivering a premier experience designed to showcase the future of charging. Initial plans call for the deployment of charging stations in metropolitan areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes, aiming to offer a charging station wherever people may choose to live, work and travel. The functions and services of the network will allow for seamless integration with participating automakers’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences, including reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management and more. In addition, the network will leverage Plug & Charge technology to further enhance the customer experience. Where are the other OEMs? What about Ford, Toyota, Nissan, and the VW group? VW is for all intents and purposes, Electrify America so that could be the reason for their non-support status. Ford, Toyota, and Nissan however are relying on everyone else’s work possibly? I do not know but replies are non-existent. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as of July 2023, there are 32,000 publicly available DC fast chargers in the United States for use by 2.3 million electric vehicles, a ratio of 72 vehicles per charger. The NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) estimates that 182,000 DC fast chargers will be needed to support 30-42 million plug-in vehicles expected on the road by 2030. With U.S. electric vehicle sales expected to exceed 50% of total U.S. sales by 2030, the expansion of reliable charging infrastructure will become even more critical to widespread electric vehicle adoption. The creation of a best-in-class charging network will ensure that the EV infrastructure will support current and projected EV sales and will foster the adoption of electric vehicles.
Hi All: More details on the new DCFC network entity. Announced in July of 2023, IONNA, the joint venture to build a high-powered EV charging network across North America, has received approval from regulatory authorities, and is now officially commencing operations. IONNA is a joint venture of seven of the world's largest automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis. With Seth Cutler, newly appointed as the chief executive officer, IONNA targets to become one of the most accessible and reliable high-powered charging networks in North America with plans to deploy at least 30,000 chargers. Why Toyota and Ford are not involved is still a mystery to me. The new CEO, Seth Cutler is an experienced insider when it comes to electric mobility and charging. In his role as senior VP of technical operations at EV Connect, Cutler expanded the network of charging station manufacturers. Most recently serving as the president and COO, he started several initiatives to transform the company from a ‘start-up’ to a ‘scale-up’ phase. Before joining EV Connect, Cutler took the lead in engineering, orchestrating the development and implementation of a high-powered charging network as chief engineer in the early phase of Electrify America. He started his career at General Electric (GE), where his versatile roles included that of GM of EV infrastructure. In this capacity, he focused on the development, manufacturing, and deployment of charging stations, contributing significantly to GE's footprint in the electric mobility sector. Customer Experience Will Be Everything IONNA’s charging network will be accessible to all BEVs with NACS or CCS connectors and aims to provide a seamless, vehicle-integrated, best-in-class charging experience. The vision includes amenities such as restrooms, food service, and retail operations nearby or within the same complex, digital integration, and appealing locations. Customers can expect convenient locations that will come with canopies wherever possible adding tp customer comfort and charging ease. The network's functions and services will facilitate seamless integration with participating automakers' in-vehicle and in-app experiences, encompassing reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management plus additional features to be named at a later date. IONNA’s charging stations are intended to be powered by renewable energy, and backed by the combined quality, reliability, and resources of the world's leading automakers. IONNA targets to establish a minimum of 30,000 high-powered charging stations strategically positioned throughout North America. The joint venture anticipates opening its first charging stations in the United States in 2024, with plans for expansion into Canada at a later stage. Each site will feature multiple high-powered chargers to facilitate long-distance journeys, aligning with the sustainability strategies of all seven automakers. IONNA is a limited liability company formed by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis. By the close of this decade, IONNA aims to become a leading force in providing convenient, accessible, and reliable North American fast-charging infrastructure to significantly enhance the appeal of zero-emission driving for millions of customers. This one appears to be the best bet in the race despite all consumers being hit with exorbitant rates of $0.50 to $0.66/KWh when DCFC’ing. This includes Tesla’s DCFCers as well. Future Pricing??? Way OT and IONNA has yet to build a single station, so I am not including them in a pricing discussion just yet. At Tesla, EVgo’s and Electrify America DCFC’s around the country, I am seeing charging costs from $0.44 to $0.66/KWh. This is like driving a 2024 Prius LE to a gas station and paying $10.44/gallon! Here is that calculation: At $0.55/KWh driving a 3-miles/KWh (name you favorite EV here), you are paying $0.1833/mile to charge at a public DCFCer. To drive a 57-mpg rated Prius at that "cost per mile", you would have to find a gas station charging $10.44/gallon. ($0.1833/mile * 57 mile/gallon) = $10.44/gallon. And yes, I highlighted $10.44/gallon 4 times since this is far too high to promote long distance EV travel or BEV future adoption! Remember when I charged the then new 2023 Toyota bZ4X (252-miles of AER) from 5 to 80% for just $9 on an Electrify America (EA) 150 KW DCFC in Royce City, TX 18-months ago. That 5 to 80% would allow a bZ4X driver to travel 189 miles or $0.0476/mile. Today, just 18-months later, that same EA Charger in Royce City, TX charges $0.56/KWh or in the case of the 2022 bZ4X, 252 miles could be covered on 63.7 KWh or $35.67. What was once an acceptable price to travel 252-miles ($12.00) is now an EV killer ($35.67) in no uncertain terms. If there is a slightly better outcome, EA's Premium Plus plan for $7/month allows a 25% discount on public charging which would bring the cost down from $0.55/KWh to $0.4125/KWh. Still high when compared to the 23/24 Prius example at an equivalent of $7.83/gallon of gasoline. I hope IONNA understands this problem before the public catches on that they are getting killed at the "port" vs killed at the "pump" from the other public charging networks. Wayne
People seem to be willing to pay it. I think it sucks. Even just charging at home I'd want solar panels and battery storage.
instead of pushing consumers to buy expensive EV's, the feds should manipulate the price of gasoline to , say , $ 10.44/gallon.
Wasn't Ford the first to adopt NACS? Those talks might have been going on while this was planned. I think it's obvious why Toyota isn't involved. For the typical driver, how much of their charging will need to be at these chargers? Chargers have higher overhead than gas stations. The latter have overpriced snacks and drinks for profits. I don't think Superchargers at a Wawa are getting a cut of the hoagie sales.
Hi All: Toyota is the latest OEM to support the Nationwide DCFC'ing IONNA Network with the goal to install at least 30,000 charge ports in North America by 2030! Toyota just announced that it has joined the previously announced, seven other automakers as an investor in IONNA to support the buildout of its high-powered charging network for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across North America. This allows Toyota and Lexus customers access to the public network of DC fast chargers IONNA will begin deploying later this year. IONNA plans to install at least 30,000 charging ports in North America by 2030, and stations will include both NACS and CCS connectors to support all BEV drivers. IONNA’s focus on the customer experience aligns closely with Toyota in ensuring that charging stations provide visitors with amenities and convenience in addition to vehicle charging. IONNA plans to bring its first batch of DC fast charging stations online later this year and will continue the buildout of additional stations throughout the decade. Supporting IONNA is an important step for Toyota, as the planned nationwide network is highlighted by a partnership and collaboration effort among now eight OEMs to invest in the buildout of public charging. Toyota is the latest manufacturer to join in its support of the EV charging company, with BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis also pledging support. Toyota currently offers two BEVs in the U.S. and Canadian market – the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. It recently announced plans for two all-new three-row BEV SUVs that will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI). By 2030, Toyota aspires to offer 30 BEV models globally across its Toyota and Lexus brand nameplates and produce up to 3.5 million BEVs annually. Wayne
Hi All: IONNA Breaks Ground on first ‘Rechargery’ in Apex, NC IONNA, the charging network created by eight of the world’s top automakers: BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis, and Toyota, announced they have broken ground on the first IONNA ‘Rechargery.’ In the heart of Apex, North Carolina, just a few miles from its HQ and customer experience lab, IONNA recently broke ground on its first charging site, transforming a historic district gas station into a new Rechargery. A first of many for IONNA and a first of its kind for North Carolina. This metro site is situated to serve local and traveling customers within the Carolina’s Tech Triangle. It will provide 10 covered parking bays and include both CCS and NACS charging ports capable of up to 400kW at 800+ Volts. Their first DCFC site will host an indoor driver’s lounge with secure access to bathrooms, coffee service, food/beverage, and Wi-Fi to relax or work while your vehicle charges. Additionally, outdoor and pet-friendly amenities will be just a few steps away. IONNA’s first Rechargery will be in the historic district of a quintessential American town built around a railroad steam engine refill pond, which the workers called Apex. In keeping with the town's evolving transportation roots, and almost 100 years after one of Apex's first gas stations opened to the community, IONNA will restore the building and its land to bring the 'Apex of charging' to the “Peak of Good Living”, the town’s present-day motto. Wayne
Hi All: IONNA has revamped its website with a 60s hippy kind of vibe. The chargers themselves are Alpitronics Hyperchargers and painted in a similar early 1960s motif - a flat green with orange signage on top. That said, they have 5 "Rechargeries" being built and it will not be long before they go live with the first, second, third, ... and hundredth. Many of them will include canopies and all I can say is, “I hope so.” Could this finally be the DCFC network we are all looking forward to? Let us hope so. https://www.ionna.com/ Wayne
Hi All: With the new year, IONNA is not standing still as it helps prepare us for the future of all-electric mobility. Ok, that was a bit thick but hopefully an even more reliable choice for future DCFC'ing will soon be available to everyone, nationwide. Small steps at first obviously. IONNA recently announced its transition to near term, full-scale, national release. This milestone marks a historic moment as the eight global automakers join at the first ever IONNA Rechargery in Apex, NC, and new HQ and Customer Experience Lab in Durham, NC. A joint ribbon-cutting event signifying an unprecedented commitment to build a best-in-class charging network – designed, engineered, and built right here in the USA. After rigorous testing including more than 4,400 charging sessions and almost 63 thousand kWhs dispensed into more than 80 EVs, IONNA has refined its hardware, software, and customer experience to introduce its next phase, nationwide expansion. IONNA has over 100 sites under contract including openings of Rechargeries in Houston, Texas and Abilene, Kansas, with Willcox, Arizona joining another six additional locations under construction today. IONNA plans to provide over 1,000 additional charging bays this year with 30,000 Charging Bays planned over the next 5 years. Beginning in Q1 of 2025 at the Garner, NC location, IONNA will introduce computer-vision powered by AI and sensor fusion technology to enable automated grab & go offerings. Made possible by collaborating with Amazon's Just Walk Out technology, these cutting-edge retail spaces will allow drivers to grab refreshments and essentials 24/7 and without checkout lines. IONNA's Plug & Charge technology available on some EVs today will grow to include a larger number before years end. Through vehicle integration, IONNA will also enable features like AI-driven smart reservations/routing optimization, in-car payments, and other features – the most integration-rich charging network in America is on its way. Wayne
https://www.ionna.com/rechargeries/find-a-rechargery/ I'm looking forward to more progress on their implementation. On a side note, Joyce and I are heading up to the Augusta area of Maine next week. It was nice to see Tesla providing much needed support in that area for non-Teslas.
Hi Bill: Does the DCFC location placements seem odd to you? Apex, NC --> Middle of nowhere? Garner, NC, along the 40. Scranton, PA --> Middle of nowhere? Reynoldsburg, OH, along the 70. Springfield, OH, along the 70. Willoughby, OH, along the 90. Abilene, KS, off the 70. WaKeeney, KS, on the 70. Corsicana, TX, along the 45? Houston, TX, along the 10. Willcox, AZ, along the 10. Wayne
They do appear a bit random though I suppose they have to start somewhere. Corporate headquarters is the last place I would put one. The closest one to me in Scranton seems like a good place. It is a crossroads for east-west and north-south and I have been through there many times.
Q2 2025 Ionna Rechargery Report IONNA doubles down: 2x sites open and 2x sites contracted Friends & Family Pricing: For everyone everywhere, starting now Free charging credits: from select Automakers, available now New sites: featuring unique IONNA amenities A sneak peek at IONNA’s California wave Ionna's been heads down chipping away at their 2025 roadmap, but will press pause to share the highlights in a Rechargery Report. Growing, multiplying, and opening roads… 30,000 charging bays by the end of 2030 is a lofty goal they keep on permanent lock. That’s the talk, here’s the walk: Open now: 6 new Rechargeries have gone live to the public in April. Doubling our total network size in sites to 12 and bays to 120. Marking our first set of batch openings this year, but certainly not the last. In-Construction now: 15 additional Rechargeries have “fences-up” and are in active construction across the U.S., bringing the total of open and in-construction sites to 27 dots on the map across 14 states. Open-Road Pipeline: Over 200 contracted sites across the US, double the 100 announced earlier this year, brings us to over 2,000 charging bays inked and moving along the pipeline. Our Money where our Mouth is… They are proudly announcing Friends & Family pricing. For a limited time, you can experience discounted charging prices, open to everyone, at all IONNA stations, no subscriptions or additional fees required. To make it even easier while you rack-up these savings, our list of Plug & Charge enabled OEMs is growing to five, with GM, Hyundai, and Kia coming online this quarter. They are also sharing that the founding automakers have begun expanding free charging credits to the IONNA Network. If you chose the public charging package with the purchase of certain EVs, these charging credits can now be used at IONNA. BMW: All IONNA locations and charge points are fully digitally integrated and accessible through the My BMW App and the in-vehicle navigation system. Plug & Charge already live today. Special offers applicable to IONNA in the future. GM EV drivers can easily find and access IONNA charging stations directly through their GM MyBrand apps, with full integration for a seamless experience. Starting in Q2, customers will begin to enjoy the Plug & Charge experience at IONNA sites — automatically initiating charging and payment with no extra steps. Honda: Special offers applicable to IONNA and Plug & Charge in the future. Hyundai: 2025 IONIQ 5, IONIQ 5 N, IONIQ 6 and 2025 Genesis drivers who choose the Charging Credit offer receive up to $500 of charging credit through the ChargePoint app, with credits usable at IONNA stations. Plug & Charge is rolling out soon. Kia America’s recently launched Kia Charge Pass program allows “find, charge & pay” capability within the Kia Access App. This includes all IONNA locations, future IONNA special offers and Plug & Charge coming soon. Mercedes-Benz: Model Year 2025 EV owners have the option to add a $1,000 public charging voucher to their MB.CHARGE PUBLIC account and apply it to charging sessions on the IONNA network. Plug & Charge live today! Stellantis: Certain model year drivers of the Jeep Wagoneer S, Dodge Charger Daytona and Fiat 500e who chose the Free2move Charge Go Package can apply the $600 of public charging credits at all IONNA Rechargeries. Plug & Charge coming soon. Toyota: Discounts coming soon. Premiering now, everywhere… North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Arizona, and Missouri all have open rechargeries with many more coming later this year as they build the pan-US network. All Rechargeries feature IONNA canopies either at opening or coming soon, 24/7 charging at 400kW of power, access to restrooms, food & beverage choices, other car care and travel comforts! California Dreamin’… Dot matrix style, IONNA will print blue and orange Rechargeries across California in 2025, starting with the Vista, CA <-- Just down the street from me, Rechargery Relay! Stay tuned with more reveals throughout the year, including a future Beacon for the Golden State.
Hi All: IONNA now has more than 3,000 contracted bays with the addition of DCFC EV Rechargeries! Arguably the best DCFCers available and the network is expanding at lightning speed. IONNA announced a new collaboration with Wawa, the associate-owned, all day, every day stop for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coRee, fuel services and surcharge-free ATMs. Marking IONNA’s single largest EV Charging commitment to date, the addition of Rechargeries at Wawa brings IONNA closer to the goal of 30,000 bays by 2030, while growing Wawa’s already robust EV Charging infrastructure. Alongside the signature blue and orange 400kW Genuine Charge Dispensers, drivers will also find car care amenities, canopy coverage and full access to your favorite Wawa products and facilities. The first of many Rechargeries at Wawa will open next week at W. International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL. Eagle eye EV Charging followers will also recognize other Wawa locations, already under construction in: Bradenton, Florida Pensacola, Florida Orlando, Florida Next week’s opening of the IONNA Rechargery at Wawa in Daytona Beach will bring the nationwide total bay count to 212 live and 3,064 contracted. Wayne
