Toyota Joins Seven Other Automakers in Future IONNA Charging Network
Toyota is joining BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis in IONNA, a joint venture that aims to develop a new, high-powered charging network in North America in order to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
The seven allied automakers hope their joint venture will become “the leading network of reliable, high-powered charging stations in North America,” eclipsing Tesla’s 19,000+ Superchargers in the U.S. and Canada. Their goal is to offer at least 30,000 DC fast chargers across the continent by 2030, accessible to all battery-powered EVs from any automaker using the Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS).
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The first of these charging stations are set to open in the U.S. later in 2024, with Canada to follow. Critically, IONNA intends to power the charging network solely by renewable energy.
Located in metropolitan areas and along major highways, including connecting corridors and vacation routes, the stations will offer canopies wherever possible and amenities such as restrooms, food service and retail operations either nearby or within the same complex. A select number of flagship stations will be equipped with additional amenities, delivering a premier experience designed to showcase the future of charging.
Previously, Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus reached a deal with Tesla to gain access to more than 12,000 Superchargers in Canada and the U.S. Customers owning or leasing a Toyota or Lexus EV equipped with the Combined Charging System (CCS) will be offered an adapter to plug into Superchargers starting in 2025.
Also beginning in 2025, Tesla-developed North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports will be incorporated into certain Toyota and Lexus EVs. That includes the new three-row electric SUV that Toyota will build in Kentucky as a future Kia EV9 rival.