Toyota Joins IONNA to Boost North American EV Charging Network

By DaMarko Webster

In a significant move to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, IONNA and Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) announced today that Toyota has become an investor in IONNA. This strategic partnership places Toyota alongside seven other major automakers in supporting IONNA’s ambitious plan to establish a high-powered charging network for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across North America.

Toyota and Lexus customers will soon benefit from access to IONNA’s public network of DC fast chargers, which are set to begin deployment later this year. IONNA’s goal is to install at least 30,000 charging ports across North America by 2030, featuring both NACS and CCS connectors to cater to all BEV drivers.

“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.”

IONNA’s commitment to a holistic customer experience aligns closely with Toyota’s values, ensuring that charging stations offer amenities and convenience alongside vehicle charging. IONNA plans to bring its first batch of DC fast charging stations online in 2024, with additional stations set to roll out over 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 in our joint journey to transform EV charging and spearhead the adoption of sustainable transportation in North America.”

Toyota’s support of IONNA underscores a broader collaboration effort among now eight original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to invest in the buildout of public charging networks. Toyota joins BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis in this collective push to enhance the EV charging landscape in North America.