Ionna, the new DC fast-charging network backed by eight global automakers — BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota — announced its transition from public beta to full-scale national release on February 4, 2025.

The public beta started on December 27, 2024, with four Rechargeries (see State Of Charge’s visit to Scranton, Pennsylvania and a soft opening event in Apex, North Carolina). According to the company, the rigorous testing phase resulted in more than 4,400 charging sessions on over 80 unique vehicle models, dispensing nearly 63,000 kilowatt-hours of energy. This means that there are some 14 kWh dispensed per session on average, which is a relatively small number, indicating that many customers were just checking the ability to recharge rather than recharging fully.

Ionna says the initial stress tests helped to refine the hardware, software, and customer experience.

1,000+ Stalls in 2025

Now Ionna is focusing on its full-scale national release, with the goal of deploying more than 30,000 DC fast-charging ports by 2030.

The plan for 2025 is to deploy over 1,000 additional charging bays (or stalls). According to Ionna, more than 100 sites were contracted nationwide. Assuming 10-12 stalls per station, it should be enough to meet the annual target.

Ionna has already opened several Rechargeries in the following locations:

• 400 N Salem Street, Apex, North Carolina
• 4145 OH 306, Willoughby, Ohio
• 1751 Titus Road, Springfield, Ohio
• 610 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Scranton, Pennsylvania

Several more stations are listed as coming soon, but their status might change anytime now, as some sites are officially coming online this week:

• 2309 N Buckeye Ave, Abilene, Kansas
• 6215 Washington Ave, Houston, Texas
• 4750 I-45, Corsicana, Texas
• 2727 Brice Rd, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
• 745 S 1st St, WaKeeney, Kansas
• 5447 NC-42, Garner, North Carolina

“To mark this next national release stage, IONNA is proud to announce in excess of 100 contracted sites nationwide, including this week’s opening of new Rechargeries in Houston, Texas and Abilene, Kansas, with Willcox, Arizona joining another six additional locations under construction today. In addition, the opening of its headquarters and customer experience lab, a hub dedicated to ongoing testing, innovation, and unwavering commitment to a driver-first experience.”

Ionna Rechargeries — February 4, 2025 (source: Ionna)

It’s worth noting that there will be a few different types of Ionna charging stations in the United States. Some will be full-blown Rechargeries with all the features and amenities, while others will be just charging stations at partner sites (the infrastructure is already there), and some may be smaller and simpler “Rechargery Relay” sites with core charging capability.

Different types of Ionna Rechargeries. (Source: Ionna)

The charging stations will be equipped with 400-kW Alpitronic chargers. There will be two types of chargers available — with CCS1 or NACS (SAE J3400) charging connectors. At least initially, there will be more CCS1 chargers, but this will gradually change as the EV market transitions from the CCS1 to the NACS (SAE J3400) charging standard.

The first Ionna ‘Rechargery’ located in Apex, North Carolina. (Source: Ionna)

AI-Powered Tech

The latest update from Ionna also reveals upcoming new features. Beginning in Q1 2025 at the Garner, North Carolina location, the company “will introduce computer-vision powered by AI and sensor fusion technology to enable automated grab & go offerings”.

“Made possible by collaborating with Amazon and leveraging their industry leading “Just Walk Out” technology, these cutting-edge retail spaces will allow drivers to grab refreshments and essentials 24/7 and without checkout lines.”

Easy and seamless shopping comes on top of Plug & Charge technology, which is already available at Rechargeries. Ionna says that will set a new standard for interoperability and ease of use in 2025.

“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.”

Update, February 5, 2025: State Of Charge had an opportunity to attend Ionna’s official opening in North Carolina and posted a special video from the event.