IONNA and Circle K Expand High-Power EV Charging in the US

IONNA and Circle K plan over 350 EV charging sites across the US, upgrading existing locations and adding new high-power stations with NACS and CCS support.

IONNA and Circle K are launching one of the largest EV charging expansions in the United States, with more than 350 high-power charging sites planned at locations where drivers already stop during their journeys.

The partnership centers on the Rechargeries @ Circle K concept, combining IONNA’s charging technology with Circle K’s nationwide retail footprint. IONNA, backed by major automakers including BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, will take over operations of Circle K’s existing U.S. charging network and upgrade around 85 current sites. At the same time, new stations will be deployed in high-traffic locations that currently lack charging infrastructure.

The first sites are expected to open by the end of 2026, with broader expansion planned for 2027. These locations will offer charging speeds of up to 400 kW and support both NACS and CCS standards, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles.

The importance of the project becomes clearer against the broader market backdrop. EV charging infrastructure in the United States continues to grow rapidly, with the number of charging ports approaching 200,000 in early 2024. The fastest growth is seen in DC fast charging, supported in part by federal programs like NEVI, which can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs.

For Circle K, this move builds on earlier investments in e-mobility. The company began rolling out EV charging in North America in 2022 and has already developed significant experience in Europe, including Norway, where fast and ultra-fast charging is widely deployed. In the U.S. alone, Circle K operates more than 7,300 stores, giving the partnership a broad geographic reach.

IONNA, meanwhile, has already moved beyond its initial phase. By 2026, the network includes over 100 live locations and thousands of planned charging bays, with a long-term target of 30,000 high-power charging points by 2030. The collaboration with Circle K effectively accelerates that expansion by leveraging existing infrastructure and customer traffic.

The Rechargeries format reflects a broader shift in the market: charging is no longer a standalone service but part of a familiar travel routine, where drivers can recharge both their vehicles and themselves during a single stop.