IONNA and Circle K Announce 350-Station EV Charging Expansion Across U.S.
New York, NY – April 15, 2026 — IONNA, the high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging network backed by eight major automakers, has partnered with global convenience store leader Circle K to dramatically expand fast-charging access across the United States. Under a new initiative branded as “Rechargeries @ Circle K,” the collaboration aims to deploy or upgrade more than 350 high-power charging sites nationwide—marking one of the largest infrastructure rollouts in the U.S. EV ecosystem this year.
The partnership combines IONNA’s advanced charging technology and automotive industry backing with Circle K’s extensive retail footprint and operational expertise. All locations will feature ultra-fast chargers capable of delivering up to 400 kW, equipped with both CCS (Combined Charging System) and NACS (North American Charging Standard) connectors to serve the broadest possible EV fleet—including legacy, new, and upcoming models.
[Image: A modern Circle K store featuring IONNA-branded ultra-fast EV charging stations with dual CCS/NACS connectors and a digital dashboard showing real-time power output]
Strategic Infrastructure Expansion: Retrofit + New Build
The rollout plan operates on two parallel tracks to maximize speed and efficiency:
- Retrofit & Upgrade: IONNA will assume operations of Circle K’s existing U.S. charging portfolio and upgrade approximately 85 current sites, replacing older hardware with next-generation 400 kW chargers.
- New Construction: Additional high-power stations will be built at premium Circle K locations—particularly along major highway corridors and in high-traffic urban zones—that currently lack EV charging infrastructure.
This dual-track strategy allows for faster scaling than a ground-up buildout, leveraging existing real estate, utilities, and customer foot traffic while accelerating coverage where demand is expected to surge in the coming years.
Convenience Meets Speed: Why Retail Partnerships Matter
The synergy between EV charging and convenience retail has become increasingly critical as driver behavior evolves. Unlike isolated highway rest stops or standalone charging hubs, Circle K sites already offer the trifecta of EV traveler needs:
- Food & beverage options—from hot meals to grab-and-go snacks
- Clean, accessible restrooms
- Efficient store layout designed for quick in-and-out traffic flow
According to industry analysts, sites that integrate seamless charging with high-quality retail experiences see significantly higher driver satisfaction and dwell-time utilization—key metrics for long-term network viability.
Automaker-Backed Vision Meets Retail Reality
IONNA was launched in 2025 as a joint venture supported by eight global automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. The company’s long-term goal is to deploy 30,000 high-power charging bays across North America by 2030.
This partnership with Circle K marks a major milestone on that path—adding a proven, high-volume retail partner with over 10,000 locations in the U.S. alone.
“We are honored that Circle K has recognized IONNA as a leader in the industry and entrusted us to serve their customers,” said Aaron Wolff, Chief Operating Officer of IONNA. “Circle K’s scale, strategic site selection, and commitment to customer experience make them an ideal partner as we accelerate our national expansion.”
“The goal is to make EV charging as easy and convenient as possible,” added Håkon Stiksrud, VP of Global eMobility at Circle K. “By combining IONNA’s cutting-edge, reliable hardware with our everyday retail offerings, we’re building a seamless experience that fits naturally into drivers’ daily routines.”
Timeline and Rollout Plan
The first Rechargeries @ Circle K locations are scheduled to begin serving EV customers by the end of 2026. The initial wave will focus on high-demand corridors in key markets, including California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast corridor.
Full buildout across the 350+ sites is expected to continue throughout 2027, with ongoing site assessments and optimizations throughout 2028.
The Bigger Picture: Building a Resilient National Network
This announcement comes amid growing pressure on the U.S. to close its EV charging gap. The Department of Energy estimates that over 1.2 million public chargers will be needed by 2030 to support projected EV adoption—yet only about 140,000 are currently operational nationwide.
The IONNA–Circle K partnership demonstrates how private-public collaboration and strategic alliances can accelerate infrastructure deployment more effectively than isolated efforts. By anchoring high-power charging in existing retail infrastructure, the model reduces permitting delays, lowers capital costs, and improves user adoption through familiarity.
Looking Ahead
With charging speeds now reaching 1,000+ amps and 800V architectures becoming standard across new EV platforms, ultra-fast networks like IONNA’s will be essential for long-distance travel and fleet electrification—including ride-hailing, delivery, and commercial transport.
Circle K’s global eMobility strategy already includes over 2,500 charging sites across Europe and North America. The U.S. expansion with IONNA signals a major shift toward scalable, brand-integrated infrastructure that prioritizes both performance and user experience.
For more information about IONNA’s network expansion plans and partner opportunities, visit ionna.com.
Circle K’s global eMobility updates are available at circlek.com/electric-mobility.
Sources: Charged EVs (April 15, 2026), IONNA Press Release