The BMW’s EV Charging Joint venture is Going From Beta to Full-Scale Rollout

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Big news for electric MINI owners in the US. IONNA—the powerhouse joint venture backed by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota—has officially kicked off full-scale national deployment, aiming to roll out 30,000 chargers within the next five years. To mark this game-changing moment for EV infrastructure in America, all eight automakers are coming together at the grand opening of the very first IONNA Rechargery in Apex, NC.

Refining the Network Before Scaling Up

Throughout late 2024, IONNA put its system through extensive testing, logging 4,400 charging sessions across more than 80 vehicle models and delivering nearly 63,000 kWh of energy. Feedback from automakers and early users informed refinements to both hardware and software, ensuring a seamless customer experience before nationwide expansion.

With over 100 contracted sites now in development, IONNA is set to accelerate growth. This week, new Rechargeries are opening in Houston, TX, and Abilene, KS, with Willcox, AZ, plus six additional locations under construction. Meanwhile, the Durham headquarters and Customer Experience Lab will serve as a research and development center, dedicated to improving network reliability, optimizing user experience, and integrating new technologies.

Now just imagine if this was an IONNA charging station.

Building a National Charging Network

From its inception, IONNA has positioned itself as a solution to one of the EV market’s most persistent challenges: access to reliable, well-placed, and user-friendly charging stations. With 1,000 new charging bays expected to come online in 2025, the network aims to provide the kind of consistency and convenience that will be critical to mainstream EV adoption.

Beyond infrastructure, the venture represents a substantial investment in U.S. manufacturing and job creation. Over the next five years, IONNA plans to build 30,000 charging bays, reinforcing domestic supply chains and advancing EV technology in the process.

Innovation at the Charging Station

Beginning in early 2025, IONNA will introduce AI-driven checkout-free retail technology at its Garner, NC location. Developed in collaboration with Amazon, the system will use computer vision and sensor fusion to allow drivers to purchase refreshments and essentials without waiting in line—an effort to make charging stops more efficient and convenient.

Meanwhile, Plug & Charge technology is expanding to include a broader range of automakers, allowing vehicles to authenticate and begin charging automatically. Future updates will bring additional features like AI-driven route optimization, in-car payments, and smart reservations, making IONNA the most integrated charging network in the country.

As the EV market matures, charging infrastructure is emerging as a defining factor in adoption. IONNA’s national rollout signals a step toward a more cohesive, reliable charging experience—one designed with both current and future EV drivers in mind.

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