Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) has announced its investment in IONNA, a joint venture founded by eight leading automakers, including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and now Toyota. This strategic move marks Toyota’s commitment to supporting the development of a robust electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United States and Canada.
IONNA is focused on building a network of high-powered charging stations across North America, aiming to install at least 30,000 charging ports by 2030. The network will feature both NACS and CCS connectors, ensuring compatibility with all BEV models. This nationwide network will offer Toyota and Lexus customers convenient access to fast charging, boosting confidence in EV adoption.
Toyota believes that this investment will not only accelerate the adoption of BEVs but also enhance the customer experience by providing amenities and convenience at charging stations, aligning with their focus on holistic customer satisfaction. IONNA plans to begin deploying its first batch of DC fast charging stations in 2024, with continuous expansion throughout the decade.
This partnership reinforces Toyota’s commitment to electrifying its vehicle lineup. The company currently offers two mass-market BEVs in the U.S. and Canada – the bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. Toyota has also announced plans to launch two all-new three-row BEV SUVs, manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI). By 2030, Toyota aims to offer a diverse range of 30 BEV models globally, encompassing both Toyota and Lexus brands, with an annual production target of 3.5 million BEVs.
This collaboration between Toyota and IONNA is a significant step towards creating a comprehensive EV charging ecosystem in North America. It demonstrates the growing momentum within the automotive industry to address the need for reliable and accessible charging infrastructure, ultimately accelerating the transition to a more sustainable transportation future.
