Toyota is making a significant move to bolster electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and enhance customer access to charging solutions. The automotive giant has joined IONNA, a rapidly expanding charging network consortium, as an investor and founding partner. This collaboration signals Toyota’s strong commitment to the electric vehicle market and aims to alleviate charging anxieties for current and future Toyota Ev owners.
This strategic investment positions Toyota alongside seven other major automakers in backing IONNA’s ambitious plan to deploy at least 30,000 high-powered charging ports across North America by 2030. For drivers of Toyota EVs and Lexus electric vehicles, this partnership translates into access to a reliable and expanding network of DC fast chargers, crucial for convenient long-distance travel and everyday charging needs. IONNA charging stations will be equipped with both the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of electric vehicles, not just Toyota EVs.
Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are excited to announce our support of IONNA to deploy DC fast chargers throughout the U.S. and Canada. We believe this will not only promote the adoption of BEVs and increase customer confidence in the technology, but it will provide our Toyota and Lexus customers with access to IONNA’s rapidly growing charging network in North America.” This statement underscores Toyota’s understanding that a robust charging infrastructure is paramount to wider Toyota EV adoption.
IONNA is prioritizing a customer-centric approach to charging, aligning perfectly with Toyota’s own philosophy. The charging stations are envisioned to offer not just rapid charging capabilities but also amenities and conveniences that enhance the overall user experience. The first IONNA stations are slated to become operational in 2024, marking the beginning of a decade-long buildout that will significantly expand the charging landscape for Toyota EV drivers and all EV owners in North America.
Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA, welcomed Toyota’s participation, noting, “Their vision for the future of electric mobility in North America aligns perfectly with our mission to push the boundaries for the highest standards of quality, reliability, and customer experience. This partnership marks another significant achievement of many to come in our joint journey to transform EV charging and spearhead the adoption of sustainable transportation in North America.” The collaboration highlights a unified industry effort to overcome charging infrastructure hurdles, a key factor in accelerating the transition to electric mobility and promoting Toyota EV ownership.
Toyota’s current Toyota EV offerings, the bZ4X SUV and Lexus RZ crossover, will directly benefit from the IONNA network. Looking ahead, Toyota is aggressively expanding its Toyota EV portfolio with plans for two new three-row electric SUVs to be manufactured in the US. By 2030, Toyota aims to offer 30 BEV models globally under the Toyota and Lexus brands and reach an annual production volume of 3.5 million Toyota EVs. The investment in IONNA is a crucial element in supporting this ambitious Toyota EV strategy, ensuring that as Toyota’s electric vehicle lineup grows, the charging infrastructure will be in place to support its expanding customer base.
