In a significant move to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across North America, Toyota has announced its investment in IONNA, joining seven other major automakers as a founding partner. This partnership aims to develop a comprehensive high-powered charging network to support the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Expanding Charging Infrastructure
IONNA, a company dedicated to advancing EV infrastructure, has ambitious plans to install at least 30,000 charging ports in North America by 2030. These charging stations will feature both North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, ensuring compatibility with all EV models. Toyota and Lexus customers will gain access to this expansive network of DC fast chargers, significantly enhancing the convenience and feasibility of owning electric vehicles.
“We are excited to announce our support of IONNA to deploy DC fast chargers throughout the U.S. and Canada,” said Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “We believe this will not only promote the adoption of BEVs and increase customer confidence in the technology, but it will provide our Toyota and Lexus customers with access to IONNA’s rapidly growing charging network in North America.”
Commitment to Customer Experience
Both Toyota and IONNA share a commitment to providing a superior customer experience compared to competitors such as EVGo and Electrify America. IONNA’s charging stations will offer not just high-speed charging but also various amenities and conveniences for users. The first wave of DC fast charging stations is expected to become operational later this year, with a steady rollout continuing throughout the decade.
“We are delighted to welcome Toyota to our growing IONNA family,” said Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA. “Their vision for the future of electric mobility in North America aligns perfectly with our mission to push the boundaries for the highest standards of quality, reliability, and customer experience. This partnership marks another significant achievement of many to come in our joint journey to transform EV charging and spearhead the adoption of sustainable transportation in North America.”
A Collaborative Effort
Supporting IONNA represents a crucial step for Toyota in its broader strategy to promote sustainable transportation. This collaboration brings together eight automakers: BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and now Toyota, to collectively invest in the public charging infrastructure essential for widespread EV adoption.
Toyota’s current EV lineup in the U.S. and Canada includes the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. The company has also announced plans for two new three-row BEV SUVs to be assembled in its Kentucky and Indiana manufacturing plants. By 2030, Toyota aims to offer 30 BEV models globally and produce up to 3.5 million BEVs annually.
Toyota’s investment in IONNA underscores the company’s commitment to advancing electric mobility and building a robust charging network. This partnership not only supports Toyota’s vision for the future of EV dominance but also plays a vital role in fostering a reliable and extensive charging infrastructure, crucial for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in North America.
