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A charging consortium comprised of seven leading international automakers has launched under the brand name Ionna, with former EV Connect executive Seth Cutler as CEO.
The JV – formed by Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Stellantis, BMW and GM – aims to bring 30,000 DC fast charging stations to highways in North America.
This would constitute roughly one sixth of the total chargers that will be needed by 2030, when 30-42mn plug-in vehicles will be in use, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
"Ionna’s charging network will be accessible to all electric vehicles with NACS or CCS connectors and aims to provide a seamless, vehicle-integrated, best-in-class charging experience," the new company says in a statement.
The joint venture says it 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 alongside various amenities including restrooms, food service, and retail operations.
Seven months after its initial announcement, a steady stream of automakers have joined Tesla's NACS charging system, including Ionna members Hyundai, Kia, and BMW.
Instead of competing with Tesla's network, Ionna will offer the NACS connector, now certified as the industry standard.
Leadership
Ionna CEO Seth Cutler started at General Electric before serving as president and COO of EV Connect.
"Our shared commitment to creating an extensive, high-powered charging network reflects our dedication to revolutionizing the entire EV charging experience and helping to drive widespread EV adoption," says Cutler.
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