A new contender enters the EV charging race

The automaker-backed charging network is scaling up, with plans for 30,000 chargers and Amazon-powered convenience stores.

Feb 17, 2025 - 07:43

A new contender enters the EV charging race

The electric vehicle charging network is growing faster than ever across the United States. Now, Ionna—a new joint venture backed by major automakers including General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota—is ready to push charger deployment into top gear. After months of beta testing, the company has officially launched its network, aiming to rival Tesla’s Supercharger infrastructure.

Ionna has an ambitious roadmap: it plans to establish over 1,000 live charging bays by the end of 2025 and expand to more than 30,000 chargers by 2030. This figure mirrors the current scale of Tesla’s industry-leading network, positioning Ionna as a formidable competitor in the race to power the EV revolution.

Nationwide expansion and strategic locations

Since its announcement in early 2024, Ionna has rapidly grown its footprint, securing contracts for more than 100 charging sites across the country. Its first operational stations are opening this week in Houston, Texas, Abilene, Kansas, and Willcox, Arizona.

Unlike some competitors that focus primarily on metropolitan areas, Ionna is building a diverse network that includes major highways, underserved rural regions, and high-traffic urban locations. This strategy aims to make long-distance EV travel more feasible while also supporting drivers who lack home-charging options and addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: accessible charging infrastructure.

Cutting-edge charging technology

Ionna’s stations will feature its proprietary "Genuine Charge Dispensers," the company’s slightly odd name for high-powered DC fast chargers capable of delivering up to 400 kW. When two vehicles are charging simultaneously, each will receive up to 200 kW—ensuring a rapid recharge for EV drivers.

Crucially, these stations will be compatible with both the Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors, eliminating the need for adapters and expanding access to a broad range of EV models. Unlike Tesla’s initially closed-off network, Ionna’s chargers will be open to all EVs from the start, including those made by manufacturers outside the joint venture.

Reimagining the charging station experience

Charging may be getting faster, but it still requires some downtime at stations. With its flagship locations, called "Rechargeries," Ionna is taking a more fun approach and aims to make the time spent charging a little more worth your while. Instead of the bare-bones chargers often found in parking lots, these stations will include shaded canopies, restrooms, and comfortable waiting areas.

Even their website takes a more playful approach to EV charging, with a vintage color scheme, graphics, and fonts that make the experience seem like you're embarking on a 70s road trip. If their charging stations will look anything like the render on the site, they, too, will carry the same vintage aesthetic.

Tesla Model 3 charging
sheilaf2002 - stock.adobe.com

For drivers looking to make the most of their charging time, Rechargeries will also offer food options and a lounge-like atmosphere. Some locations will even feature Amazon’s "Just Walk Out" technology, allowing customers to grab snacks and drinks without needing to check out at a register. This streamlined approach aims to make charging stops feel less like a chore and more like a quick, hassle-free break.

For those who prioritize speed over amenities, Ionna is also rolling out "Relay" sites—simpler stations that focus on rapid charging with essential conveniences like restrooms and vending machines but without the full-service experience of a Rechargery.

Amazon's AI-powered retail experience

One of Ionna’s most unique innovations is its partnership with Amazon to integrate “Just Walk Out” technology at select Rechargery locations. This AI-powered system allows customers to grab snacks or drinks and leave without needing to check out. Cameras and sensors track what items are taken, and purchases are automatically charged to the customer's account.

This system, while convenient, has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns over reliance on overseas labor to monitor transactions, a claim Amazon denies. Nonetheless, the technology is an ideal fit for EV charging stations, where 24/7 convenience and quick purchases are key benefits.

The broader EV charging boom

Ionna’s expansion is part of a larger surge in public fast-charging infrastructure. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, the U.S. added nearly 1,000 new high-speed charging stations—a record-breaking increase of 37% from the previous quarter.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Retailers like Target, Costco, and Buc-ee’s are recognizing the value of EV drivers as customers, rapidly deploying chargers at their locations. Federal initiatives, such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, are also contributing to the buildout, though private investment remains the dominant force.

Trump looks to halt federal funding

Government programs are set to play a growing role in EV network expansion as federal funds from the Biden administration are allocated to future projects. However, the Trump administration sent a letter Thursday night directing states to halt spending those funds. Trump has criticized the funding as “an incredible waste of taxpayer dollars,” signaling an attempt to slow the government-backed charging rollout.

BP America, President & CEO, Orlando Alvarez, left and BP Executive Vice President of Customers and Products, Emma Delaney, right, stand by as Chief Executive Officer, BP Pulse, Sujay Sharma, cuts the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the Pulse Gigahub EV charging station Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images

However, experts say it won’t be that simple. The administration may need congressional approval to officially rescind the funding, and there’s no guarantee lawmakers will act. In the meantime, private sector demand is still driving expansion. Companies like Ionna, Tesla, and major retailers are continuing their investments, with or without federal backing.

Why public charging infrastructure matters

The availability of public chargers is crucial for the continued growth of EV adoption. A significant portion of new EV buyers live in apartments or homes without dedicated charging access, making widespread, reliable public charging essential.

Additionally, the presence of visible, high-quality charging stations helps alleviate range anxiety—one of the most persistent concerns among prospective EV buyers. The more that charging becomes as seamless as refueling a gas car, the faster EV adoption will accelerate.

A true rival to Tesla?

Tesla’s Supercharger network remains the gold standard for reliability and convenience, but Ionna is positioning itself as a serious contender. With strong automaker backing, universal charger compatibility, and a focus on customer experience, Ionna has the potential to reshape the public charging landscape.

Final thoughts

As the network expands, key questions remain: Will Ionna’s chargers be as reliable as Tesla’s? Can the company roll out 30,000 chargers by 2030, as promised? And will the convenience features of Rechargeries provide a compelling enough reason for drivers to switch from Tesla’s established network?

One thing is clear: the race to dominate EV charging is heating up, and for consumers, competition can only mean better, more accessible charging options.

Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!