- Ionna will install its high-powered charging stations at Circle K locations across the U.S.
- It will also take over the operations of Circle K's existing charging network.
- Retail giants and gas station chains have embraced the build-out of fast chargers.
Convenience store and gas station chain Circle K is partnering with Ionna to install hundreds of public fast charging stations at its locations nationwide, the companies announced on Tuesday.
The announcement is the latest in a string of recent tie-ups between retail giants and electric vehicle charging companies, who are racing to build out charging infrastructure with the anticipation that EV sales growth will rebound in the coming years.
Ionna, the consortium founded by eight automakers including General Motors, Stellantis, and Toyota, has quickly become one of the fastest-growing charging networks in the U.S. with its so-called Rechargeries.
Under the new deal, it plans to bring its high-powered stations to over 350 Circle K locations across the country, pushing it closer to its ambitious target of installing 30,000 charging bays by 2030. All Ionna stations are equipped with 400-kilowatt charging dispensers that support both CCS and the Tesla-style NACS connectors.
What’s also notable is that Ionna will also take over Circle K’s existing charging network, which will dramatically expand its own footprint. According to the U.S. government's Alternative Fuels Data Center, the chain already has 378 EV charging ports across 93 locations, which will now fold into the Ionna network. Ionna said it will “rapidly convert and upgrade approximately 85 existing Circle K charging sites.” In other words, existing Circle K stations should become more modern and easier to use, while offering faster charging.
Access to reliable public fast-charging stations is one of the top hurdles to the broader adoption of EVs. Even though EV growth has cooled since the end of federal tax credits last year, the nationwide build-out of DC fast chargers has continued at a record pace. Popular convenience stores and gas station chains have leaned into this opportunity.
Ionna also partnered with Sheetz and Wawa last year. General Motors and EVGo have continued to expand at Pilot and Flying J travel centers. And Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging is also installing its fast chargers at Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center chain.
The logic behind these retail partnerships is pretty straightforward. For EV drivers, they help replicate the familiar gas-station and rest-stop experience, offering up amenities like restrooms, restaurants, cafes, and Wi-Fi. Many EV chargers lack those basic conveniences, much less a place to kick back as some of Ionna's Rechargeries have.
The opportunity is also clear for retailers. While a gas stop may only take 10 minutes, an EV driver hanging around for 30 minutes presents an even greater sales opportunity for snacks and the like.
Contact the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
