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Ionna has officially launched construction on its inaugural EV fast-charging facility, which will notably be built on the site of a former gas station.
Located in Apex, North Carolina, this initial site will include one of the town’s early gas stations, which is set to be refurbished and integrated into the new “Rechargery,” as detailed in a press release. The facility is designed to feature ten covered parking bays that will accommodate both Combined Charging Standard (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors, with capabilities of up to 400 kW power, according to the announcement.
Additionally, the site will provide various amenities, including a “driver’s lounge” offering food and beverage options, restrooms, and Wi-Fi, along with “outdoor and pet-friendly amenities,” as stated by Ionna. This site format, which combines covered parking with essential facilities, is also being pursued by the startup Rove, which plans to establish 20 amenity-rich charging stations in California. Furthermore, Electrify America has launched an indoor EV charging station that it claims will serve as a model for future urban locations.
Ionna emerged in 2023 as a serious contender to the Tesla Supercharger network, with backing from a consortium of seven automakers, including an undisclosed investment from BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. The company aims to deploy a minimum of 30,000 high-power EV fast chargers across North America, strategically positioned to support long-distance travel, with the complete network expected to be operational before 2030.
Ionna further noted that it will enable “seamless integration” with the charging applications of its participating automakers. This will allow users to make reservations, process payments, plan routes, and navigate to the charging sites, along with offering features for “transparent energy management.”
However, not all major automakers are part of the Ionna initiative. General Motors has announced a partnership with EVgo to create 400 fast-charging locations in key U.S. cities, set to begin in 2025. These locations will include protective canopies and security cameras, although GM has yet to reveal whether they will offer the same amenities as those planned by Ionna.
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