Seven months after seven major automotive OEMs announced plans to collaborate on a new electric vehicle (EV) charging network in North America, the joint venture, now known as IONNA, has officially obtained regulatory clearance to commence operations. Alongside this milestone, the venture has appointed its inaugural CEO, an individual well-versed in the EV charging sector.
The summer of 2023 witnessed significant developments in the realm of electrification, particularly within the EV charging segment, as prominent players like Ford and GM pledged to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), catalyzing industry-wide momentum.
In July of the same year, seven automotive giants – BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis – joined forces to unveil plans for a collaborative initiative aimed at bolstering the availability of EV chargers across North America. This alliance, now operating under the moniker IONNA, LLC, has since been working towards its ambitious goal of deploying over 30,000 EV chargers in the region by the end of the decade.
While updates regarding the progress of the new EV charging network had been scarce, IONNA has now emerged with both a designated CEO and regulatory approval to commence operational activities. Seth Cutler, formerly Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at EV Connect and most recently President and COO of the charging network, has been appointed as the CEO to lead the venture. Cutler brings with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at General Electric and his involvement in the early stages of Electrify America.
Commenting on his new role, Cutler expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am honored to lead IONNA and work alongside these esteemed automakers in shaping the future of electric mobility. Our shared commitment to creating an extensive, high-powered charging network reflects our dedication to revolutionizing the entire EV charging experience and helping to drive widespread EV adoption.”
IONNA aims to offer EV drivers a seamless and integrated charging experience, with amenities such as restrooms, food service, and retail spaces conveniently located nearby or within its charging footprints. The joint venture anticipates launching its first EV charging stations in the United States this year, with plans for expansion into Canada in the future.
