Toyota Motor North America has invested in IONNA to support the development of a high-powered charging network for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across North America. This partnership will enable Toyota and Lexus customers to use IONNA’s public network of DC fast chargers, which is set to begin deployment later this year. IONNA aims to install at least 30,000 charging ports in North America by 2030, with stations equipped with both NACS and CCS connectors to serve all BEV drivers.
Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, stated that Toyota’s investment in IONNA is intended to promote BEV adoption and bolster customer confidence in the technology. The collaboration will provide Toyota and Lexus drivers with access to IONNA’s expanding network of charging stations.
IONNA plans to enhance the customer experience by incorporating amenities and convenience at their charging stations. The first batch of DC fast charging stations is expected to launch in 2024, with continued expansion planned throughout the decade.
Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA, expressed enthusiasm about Toyota joining their network, noting that Toyota’s vision for electric mobility aligns with IONNA’s mission to set high standards for quality and customer experience. This partnership is part of a broader strategy involving eight original equipment manufacturers who are investing in public charging infrastructure. Toyota joins BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis in supporting IONNA.
Currently, Toyota offers two mass-market BEVs in the U.S. and Canada: the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. The company also plans to introduce two new three-row BEV SUVs, which will be assembled at Toyota’s plants in Kentucky and Indiana. By 2030, Toyota aims to offer 30 BEV models globally under its Toyota and Lexus brands and to produce up to 3.5 million BEVs annually.