IONNA, the electric-vehicle charging network established as a joint venture of BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, and Stellantis, is picking Durham, N.C., as its global headquarters, according to a statement. The group added that the decision will accelerate its plans to launch the charging service in the U.S. during the current year. Outlets in Canada will follow, IONNA has said, but no opening schedule has been announced.
The venture announced in July 2023 has committed to build a U.S. and Canadian network of more than 30,000 “ultra-fast charging stations”. It stated in February of this year that it had received all regulatory approvals for its operation.
IONNA’s charge points reportedly will allow for at least 350 kW at 800 Volt output.
Along with the business center in North Carolina, the IONNA headquarters will house a “customer experience lab” that will anchor seven new satellite labs at facilities of each of the founding OEMs and tasked with accelerating deployment, interoperability testing, and continuous improvement of features.
"We are thrilled to call Durham home," stated CEO Seth Cutler. "The area's established history of research, innovation, and its vibrant growing community, make it the perfect place for IONNA to join, thrive, and pioneer."
IONNA also announced three additions to its executive team: new chief financial officer Derek Rush was previously the CFO of bp Pulse, a British public charging network; Ricardo Stamatti now the chief product officer at Stellantis Energy; and Shankar Muthukumar, now chief operating officer, was previously the general manager of Mortenson's e-mobility division.
