Kia America celebrates National Expansion of Ionna Charging Network

February 17, 2025 by Kia

Pioneering the Future of EV Charging with Over 1,000 Ultra-Fast Charging Bays Coming in 2025

IONNA, the joint venture founded by the world's leading automakers - BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis, and Toyota - today announces its transition from public beta to full-scale national release. This milestone marks a historic moment for the American road, as 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 cutting-edge charging network - designed, engineered, and built right here in the USA.

Measuring Twice and Cutting Once

After a rigorous testing phase in late 2024, automaker vehicle fleets and everyday drivers helped stress-test the IONNA network, completing more than 4,400 charging sessions, on over 80 unique vehicle models, and dispensing nearly 63 thousand kilowatts of energy. IONNA has refined its hardware, software, and customer experience to confidently step into a new phase of nationwide expansion.

To mark this next national release stage, IONNA is proud to announce in excess of 100 contracted sites nationwide, including the immediate 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.

An Americana Charging Network at Scale

Since its inception, IONNA has embodied the pioneering spirit of the American road trip - guided by freedom, reliability, and world-class service. With plans to bring over 1,000 400 kW capable charging bays online in 2025, IONNA is delivering on its mission to provide the coverage drivers need, the reliability they deserve, and the amenities they crave.

This effort is more than just deploying infrastructure; it is a massive investment in American jobs and manufacturing. Each of the 30,000 Charging Bays built over the next 5 years representing new jobs across the nation, cutting-edge technological innovation, and a vision to open America's roads to driver choice.

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Rooted in American Drive & Ingenuity

Beginning in Q1 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 closely collaborating with Amazon and 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.

IONNA will set a new standard for interoperability and ease of use in 2025. Plug & Charge technology, already available now, will grow to include a market-leading number of automakers as the year progresses. Through deep vehicle head unit integration, IONNA will also enable features like smart reservations, AI-powered routing, and in-car payments – the most integration-rich charging network in America is on its way.

Customer Choice at the Center Stage

IONNA is redefining EV Charging with a coalition of best-in-class retail partners, industry-leading technology, and a homegrown workforce dedicated to raising an alternative that drivers will choose not just out of necessity, but true choice.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the 'Official Automotive Partner' of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

* Certain EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.