GoKawiilToday, the IONNA charging network announced that it’s partnering with Circle K to bring its “Rechargery” experience to more than 350 Circle K locations in the US. IONNA will start with 85 existing Circle K charging sites, with the first Rechargeries powering up electric vehicles by the end of the year, “followed by additional scale in 2027,” IONNA said.
IONNA was founded back in 2023 by eight OEMs: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. Its plan is to deploy 30,000 high-speed chargers across the US by 2030, starting with its first locations in 2024. Currently, there are 108 IONNA locations operational with 375 NACS and 658 CCS plugs, assuming the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator remains a reliable resource.
Lengthy permitting delays are one of the main factors slowing the build-out of fast-charging infrastructure, and partnering with sites that already have some chargers installed will certainly help speed things up, at least a little.
IONNA is taking over the operation of Circle K’s chargers—378 plugs at 93 stations, according to the DOE. The majority will become Rechargeries, IONNA’s concept for sites with canopies, sufficient lighting, and a focus on nighttime safety, along with bathrooms, a driver’s lounge, and food and drink options. Nearly 200 more Rechargeries are coming to Circle Ks in the future.
“We are honored that Circle K has recognized IONNA as a leader in the industry and entrusted us to serve their customers with the same care and commitment to excellence that they show now. Circle K’s scale, customer focus, and quality of location make them an ideal partner as we rapidly expand high-power charging where drivers already want to stop,” said Aaron Wolff, IONNA’s COO.
“Partnering with IONNA enables us to scale high-power charging quickly at locations drivers already trust—combining fast, reliable charging with a great food and beverage experience. This partnership is an important step in preparing for the future, delivering not just charging but a complete retail experience that supports our customers on the go,” said Håkon Stiksrud, Circle K’s vice president of global emobility. The company opened its first EV charging-only location near Gothenburg, Sweden, last year.