The electric vehicle charging network Ionna, backed by automakers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota, has more than doubled its U.S. charging sites in 2026. According to its September 30 announcement, the network now operates 180 sites nationwide, along with over 40 additional locations at Circle K convenience stores. This expansion follows an April partnership with the chain and reflects a broader industry push toward faster charging infrastructure. Ionna’s newest chargers meet the 400-kW standard, the fastest widely available in the U.S., though few current electric vehicles can fully utilize that speed even briefly. Competitors such as Electrify America have largely focused on 350-kW hardware instead.
Ionna’s rapid growth has earned recognition from J.D. Power, which ranked it the top EV charging network in its 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study. The company surpassed Tesla’s Supercharger network, which placed fourth, by prioritizing customer satisfaction and reducing friction for drivers. Unlike many rivals, Ionna avoids a proprietary app, instead integrating with 19 third-party charging platforms, including Presto, ChargeHub, and EV Connect.
To further streamline the charging process, Ionna is introducing Plug & Charge compatibility for Volvo, Toyota, and Lexus vehicles in October. This feature allows billing directly to a driver’s vehicle account without requiring a credit card or external app. Automakers such as Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and General Motors have already partnered with Ionna to offer charging discounts through their own apps. The company has also launched a Driver Advisory Council to gather feedback on network performance and customer priorities, while a new Driver’s Dashboard feature will provide real-time charging details without additional apps or subscriptions.
Seth Cutler, Ionna’s CEO, has stated that the company aims to deliver both scale and quality, challenging the industry’s assumption that the two must be mutually exclusive. The network’s expansion continues to rely on collaboration with automakers and partners, positioning it as a key player in accelerating electric vehicle adoption. Most drivers currently rely on slower chargers, and only a limited number of newer EVs can fully use 400-kW speeds. This creates a temporary gap between infrastructure and vehicle capability, but Ionna’s focus on customer feedback and seamless integration suggests confidence in long-term demand.
Circle K locations now host 40 of Ionna’s chargers, expanding access in areas where electric vehicle infrastructure was previously lacking. The company’s site acquisition team evaluates driver-suggested locations, ensuring new chargers align with real-world demand rather than speculative projections. Feedback from the Driver Advisory Council will help shape future charger placements and improvements, reinforcing Ionna’s commitment to addressing driver needs.
