IONNA, the electric vehicle charging venture of seven major automakers, makes strides in its efforts to “significantly expand access to high-powered charging in North America.”
In a press release on Tuesday, IONNA announced some of the progress it has made in attempting to compete with the Tesla Supercharger network in the region.
Official HQ
IONNA officially announced its formation in July 2023. Now, it has finally decided to establish its headquarters in Durham, North Carolina.
The announcement came from IONNA Chief Executive Seth Cutler himself. He cited the county’s rich history when it comes to technological advancements and burgeoning community.
“We are thrilled to call Durham home. The area’s established history of research, innovation, and its vibrant growing community, make it the perfect place for Ionna to join, thrive, and pioneer. I’m excited to grow a cross-industry team that will deliver the Ionna vision from our new home base.”
IONNA Chief Executive Seth Cutler
The press release also revealed that the venture’s leadership team will consist of industry veterans to ensure industry-leading charging innovations.
The Quarterback Lab
IONNA revealed that it is currently building a central lab for DC fast charging’s compatibility testing, dubbed the “Quarterback Lab.” It will serve as a central note to seven other labs it plans to erect at each of the founding members’ engineering facilities.
By working closely together and sharing technical data, these labs can cut the need for redundant compatibility testing on every electric vehicle model on the market.
“Playing a pivotal role in accelerated deployment, interoperability testing, and continuous improvement of features that work from day one. A framework that will set new standards and benchmarks in the industry. Poised to grow forward at IONNA-Speed as new partners join the movement.”
IONNA
The last five words in the above-mentioned statement hint that IONNA wants to encourage more OEMs to join the venture.
Leadership team
IONNA also announced three new appointments for its leadership team.
It appointed Derek Rush as the new Chief Financial Officer, supervising all financial operations at IONNA. Notably, he was a former CFO of BP Pulse.
Former Stellantis Energy Global SVP Ricardo Stamatti is now IONNA’s Chief Product Officer. Meanwhile, Mortenson’s e-mobility division ex-General Manager Shankar Muthukumar will now serve as the venture’s Chief Operating Officer.
Former EVConnect CEO Seth Cutler will lead the team as the IONNA’s CEO.
IONNA undoubtedly has a strong potential to advance in the electric vehicle charging industry, especially considering the support of BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis.
IONNA can also help address the lack of charging infrastructure in North America, given the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. IONNA aims to deploy at least 30,000 high-powered DC fast chargers across major highway corridors and urban areas “to ensure customers can charge whenever and wherever they need.”
