- American EV charging network Ionna has partnered with the convenience store and gas station chain Wawa.
- The first 400 kW fast chargers at Wawa stores will go online next week in Daytona Beach, Florida.
- Ionna has over 200 stalls operational, with another 400 under construction.
Ionna, the DC fast charging network backed by nearly a dozen global automakers, is partnering with a big convenience store and gas station chain to bring its 400-kilowatt dispensers to more people.
Starting next week, Ionna chargers will start popping up at Wawa stores in the United States, with the first one scheduled to go online next to the Daytona Beach International Airport in Florida. Three more locations are already under construction in Brandenton, Pensacola and Orlando, with even more on the way.
Photo by: Ionna
With the Ionna Rechargery on the West International Speedway Boulevard up and running, the charging operator will have 212 bays live. According to the company, another 400 are currently under construction, and a total of 3,064 bays have been contracted. By 2030, Ionna wants to have 30,000 DC fast chargers online in North America.
Bringing 400 kW DC fast chargers to Wawa stores is a big deal for EV owners. With over 1,100 stores spanning 12 states, the family- and associate-owned company made a name for itself by offering freshly prepared food, beverages, coffee, surcharge-free ATMs and fuel.
Furthermore, Ionna stations built at Wawa stores will have canopies. So drivers will be able to charge their EVs without baking in the sun. And while the car is charging, the passengers can grab a drink, get some lunch, or go to the toilet. That’s a far cry from some other fast chargers that are in the middle of nowhere, with no overhead protection and no facilities close by.
“With an ongoing commitment to providing our customers with speed and convenience, our new collaboration with Ionna does just that,” said Rich Makin, Chief Fuel Officer at Wawa. “As we continue to expand our EV services, we are thrilled to provide our customers with a one-stop for fresh food, beverages and EV charging!”
Ionna’s 400 kW fast chargers can cater to both CCS1- and NACS-equipped vehicles. Each dispenser has a Combined Charging System 1 cable and a North American Charging Standard cable, so everything from the Tesla Model 3 to the GMC Hummer EV can get their batteries replenished without having to use an adapter. That said, there are no CHAdeMO connectors, so Nissan Leaf owners will have to rely on other operators.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to achieve a key milestone than reaching it with Wawa, a host that allows our drivers to charge with ease and in comfort, knowing they’re being well cared for,” said Seth Cutler, CEO of Ionna.
The American charging network was founded by seven automakers last year, but two other names have joined the partnership since then. Now, Ionna is backed by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Toyota and Rivian.