Ionna reaches 100 charging sites as network expansion continues

Ionna, a joint venture formed by eight automakers to build a nationwide EV charging network, announced several updates as it marked its second anniversary. The company said it has reached more than 100 operational charging sites and continues to expand its footprint across the United States.

The network, launched in 2024, is backed by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. Ionna said its goal is to develop a large-scale, high-speed charging infrastructure capable of supporting both urban commuting and long-distance travel.

According to the company, nearly 1,000 charging bays are now active nationwide. In early 2026, Ionna added 212 energized bays across multiple sites, with support from utilities including Pacific Gas and Electric, Public Service Electric and Gas, and NV Energy.

Utility providers have played a central role in the network’s development. Ionna said more than 40 utilities have contributed to bringing charging locations online, with 10 companies completing multiple projects in less than a year. Another 33 utilities supported single-site deployments in their respective service areas.

The company emphasized that collaboration with utilities and industry organizations, including the Electric Power Research Institute and the Edison Electric Institute, has been necessary to accelerate the rollout of high-powered charging infrastructure.

Beyond currently operational sites, Ionna reported that more than 4,700 charging bays have been contracted nationwide. Of those, nearly 1,500 are in construction or have progressed beyond initial planning stages.

The network includes more than 100 active locations, with new full-scale charging sites recently opened in Forest Park and West Point, Georgia, as well as Limon, Colorado.

As part of its expansion, Ionna is also developing additional amenities at select locations. A new site in Dallas is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026 and will include an automated convenience store using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, allowing customers to purchase items without a traditional checkout process.

In addition to infrastructure growth, Ionna outlined new pricing and customer incentive programs. The company introduced what it describes as “Friends & Family” pricing in 2025, offering reduced charging rates without requiring a subscription.

Building on that approach, Ionna said it plans to expand its pricing structure to include a range of incentives tied to participating automakers. These may include complimentary charging credits for new vehicle purchases, manufacturer-specific subscription plans, loyalty programs, and prepaid discounted charging options.

The company stated that the programs are designed to offer flexibility while maintaining transparent pricing for customers. Availability of certain benefits will depend on each participating automaker’s policies.

Ionna also announced a partnership with General Motors to launch its first automaker-specific discount program. Additional programs tied to other partner brands are expected to follow, though the company did not provide a detailed rollout timeline.

To coincide with its anniversary, Ionna hosted events at more than 25 charging locations in February. The company reported that drivers collectively used more than 100 megawatt-hours of electricity across the network in a single day.

The company indicated that it plans to continue using promotional pricing to attract new users. Each newly opened location in 2026 will offer an introductory charging rate of $0.20 per kilowatt-hour during its first week of operation.

Ionna is positioning its network as a long-term solution for EV charging accessibility in the United States. The company has stated a goal of deploying more than 30,000 ultra-fast charging points by 2030.

In addition to its infrastructure and pricing initiatives, Ionna has also introduced a branded merchandise store offering apparel and accessories. The company said the products are intended to reflect road travel culture, though this effort appears to be separate from its core charging business.

While the company continues to expand, its progress reflects broader industry efforts to address gaps in charging availability. Automaker-backed charging networks have become increasingly important as EV adoption grows, particularly in regions where public infrastructure has lagged behind vehicle sales.

Ionna’s development strategy, which combines automaker funding, utility partnerships, and retail-focused site design, is intended to differentiate it from existing charging providers. However, the long-term effectiveness of this approach will depend on execution, reliability, and the pace of continued deployment.

At the two-year mark, Ionna’s network remains in a growth phase, with a relatively small number of fully operational sites compared to its long-term targets. The company’s ability to scale infrastructure, maintain uptime, and deliver consistent customer experiences will likely determine its role in the broader EV charging landscape.