Investing.com -- IONNA, a joint venture by leading automakers including BMW (ETR:BMWG), General Motors (NYSE:GM), Honda (NYSE:HMC), Hyundai (OTC:HYMTF), Kia, Mercedes-Benz (OTC:MBGAF), Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), and Toyota (NYSE:TM), has transitioned from public beta to full-scale national release, marking a significant milestone in the American automotive industry. The announcement was made on February 5, 2025, at the first IONNA Rechargery in Apex, North Carolina, and at the new headquarters and customer experience lab in Durham, North Carolina.
IONNA has completed an extensive testing phase in late 2024, using automaker vehicle fleets and everyday drivers to stress-test the network. Over 4,400 charging sessions were completed on more than 80 unique vehicle models, dispensing nearly 63,000 kilowatt-hours of energy. With this experience, IONNA has refined its hardware, software, and customer experience, preparing for a nationwide expansion.
As part of the national release, IONNA has over 100 contracted sites across the country, including new Rechargeries in Houston, Texas, and Abilene, Kansas. Six more locations are under construction, including one in Willcox, Arizona. The newly opened headquarters and customer experience lab in Durham will serve as a hub for ongoing testing and innovation, emphasizing a driver-first experience.
IONNA plans to bring more than 1,000 additional charging bays online by the end of 2025. This expansion is not only about infrastructure but also represents a substantial investment in American jobs and manufacturing. Each of the 30,000 charging bays to be built over the next five years will create new jobs and promote technological innovation.
Starting this quarter, IONNA will introduce computer-vision powered by AI and sensor fusion technology at the Garner, North Carolina location. In collaboration with Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), IONNA will leverage Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology to enable automated grab & go offerings, allowing drivers to pick up refreshments and essentials 24/7 without checkout lines.
IONNA also plans to set a new standard for interoperability and ease of use in 2025. Its Plug & Charge technology will grow to include a leading number of automakers as the year progresses. Through vehicle integration, IONNA will enable features like AI-driven smart reservations/routing optimization, in-car payments, and other features, aiming to create the most integration-rich charging network in America.
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