Toyota Motor North America has become an investor in IONNA to support the development of a high-powered charging network for battery electric vehicles across North America. This collaboration allows Toyota and Lexus customers to access the public network of DC fast chargers that Ionna will start deploying later this year. Ionna plans to install at least 30,000 charging ports in North America by 2030, with stations featuring both NACS and CCS connectors to accommodate all BEV drivers.
Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, expressed that Toyota’s support of Ionna aims to promote the adoption of BEVs and increase customer confidence in the technology. This collaboration will provide Toyota and Lexus customers with access to Ionna’s expanding charging network in North America.
Ionna’s approach to enhancing the customer experience aligns with Toyota’s goals, ensuring that charging stations offer amenities and convenience in addition to vehicle charging. Ionna intends to launch its first batch of DC fast charging stations in 2024, continuing the expansion of additional stations throughout the decade.
Seth Cutler, CEO of Ionna, welcomed Toyota to Ionna’s expanding network. Cutler emphasized that Toyota’s vision for the future of electric mobility in North America aligns with IONNA’s mission to set high standards for quality, reliability, and customer experience. He noted that this partnership marks a significant step in their shared goal of advancing EV charging and promoting sustainable transportation in North America.
This partnership is a strategic move for Toyota, as the planned nationwide network involves collaboration among now eight original equipment manufacturers investing in public charging infrastructure. Toyota joins BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis in supporting IONNA.
Toyota currently offers two mass-market BEVs in the U.S. and Canada, the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. The company has announced plans for two new three-row BEV SUVs to be assembled at Toyota’s manufacturing plants in Kentucky and Indiana. By 2030, Toyota aims to offer 30 BEV models globally across its Toyota and Lexus brands and produce up to 3.5 million BEVs annually.
