BMW, GM-Backed Ionna Previews First Rechargery And It’s A Gas (Station)

The first Rechargery will have 10 covered parking spots and 400 kW DC fast chargers

The Ionna charging network has been in development for over a year, but it’s largely flown under the radar. However, it’s impossible to ignore as the company was founded by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota. In effect, it’s the ‘Avengers Assemble’ of legacy automakers.

While there hasn’t been much to talk about lately, Ionna has broken ground on their first “Rechargery” located in Apex, North Carolina. If you have no idea where that is, you’re not alone as the town of approximately 72,000 people is located a few miles outside of Raleigh.

More: After Elon’s Supercharger Hissy Fit, Toyota Joins Ionna Charging Network Backed By Rivals

That sounds like an odd place to set up shop, but Ionna’s headquarters and customer experience lab is located in nearby Durham. Fascinating North Carolina geography lesson aside, the first Rechargery will see the company transform a historic gas station into a hip electric vehicle charging hub.

It will feature 10 covered charging bays as well as CCS and NACS charging ports. The latter will be capable of replenishing EVs at up to 400 kW, which means customers should be able to get a significant charge in 20 minutes or less.

To pass the time, the Rechargery will have an indoor lounge that offers bathrooms, WiFi, as well as food and drinks. Customers will also find “outdoor and pet-friendly amenities… just a few steps away.”

It appears other Rechargeries will have a similar setup, although the company has largely kept their plans under wraps. However, Ionna has previously said they’re aiming to have at least 30,000 charging ports in North America by 2030.