IONNA Sets Up Headquarters in Durham, North Carolina

The world is changing, and with it, the auto industry is going full throttle with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Years ago, just about every major automaker was against going electric, but as CO2 emission standards became stricter, automakers had to finally bite the bullet or sink with the rest of the ship. One major reason automakers are slow to commit is because of how impractical BEVs are. Charging up isn’t as easy or as quick as finding the nearest gas station, which makes consumers wary to make the change. Luckily, that might soon change with many automakers and companies working on installing more charging stations across the nation to create a whole new BEV charging network. Currently on the move is IONNA, having been approved and finally finding a home for its headquarters.

If not in the know, IONNA is a joint venture between seven of the world’s foremost automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. With the goal of deploying at least 30,000 chargers across the U.S., IONNA aims to create a nationwide BEV charging network to keep consumers recharged and to make BEVs more attractive to buyers still on the fence. The IONNA charging network will nearly double the amount of DC fast chargers currently available to consumers in the United States, about 32,000 currently up and running. Although IONNA is aiming to only install 30,000 more, we need 182,000 DC fast chargers to really make an impact.

Still, the IONNA charging network is working steadfastly to make this network a reality. After IONNA got approval from regulatory authorities to start producing a more accessible and reliable high-powered charging network, next on the list was to set up an HQ for operations. Because this charging network is for the U.S., IONNA chose none other than Durham, North Carolina as its global headquarters. Located in the bustling heart of the Research Triangle, it’s the perfect place for IONNA to set up shop and attract the area’s dynamic blend of tech talent and commitment to innovation.

“We are thrilled to call Durham home…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. I’m excited to grow a cross-industry team that will deliver the IONNA vision from our new home base.” – Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA

Operations have already begun in February 2024, so it’s about time HQ was set up. Now, IONNA can accelerate its 2024 launch plans and get to work. Installations are currently underway, but the official launch is slated to begin operations starting this summer (2024). The new charging network will surely make it easier for automotive groups like the Hyundai Motor Group and Kia to move forward with the plans the automaker shared during its 2022 CEO Investor Day, 2023 CEO Investor Day, and 2024 CEO Investor Day. Each conference shared news about the goals to launch more BEVs, and eventually, module-based platform-based vehicles. It all started with the Kia Plan S Strategy in 2020, and it would seem Kia is well on its way with the many BEVs being released, including the Kia EV6, Kia EV9,  Kia EV5, Kia EV4, Kia EV3, and even the Kia EV8 concept.

Want to learn more about what Kia and the Hyundai Motor Group are up to? Follow along with us on Miami Lakes Automall social media. Find out what makes BEVs so great when you shop for a new Kia EV6 or Kia EV9 at Miami Lakes Automall.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media