APEX — As the auto industry evolves in step with a climate-conscious world, more drivers are plugging in instead of gassing up.
On Feb. 4, Ionna, the nationwide EV charging network backed by the world’s top automakers, ceremoniously opened its first charging station, or “Rechargery,” in Apex. Backed by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, Ionna says its mission is to serve American metropolitan areas and dot highways and byways with convenient, user-friendly EV charging stations.
Some EV owners — faced with inconsistent availability, long charging times, a lack of standardization, difficulty finding locations and a simple lack of basic conveniences — have become increasingly dissatisfied with public charging.
Ionna wants to tackle these issues with the Apex location as the first step in a designed coast-to-coast network that will eventually reach Canada. Currently, 100 live charging bays are confirmed, including one in Garner, with a target of 1,000 operational locations by the end of 2025. Public EV charging is especially complicated and consumers’ biggest hurdle is EV adoption. The new charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using the Combined Charging System or North American Charging Standard, and they are expected to meet or exceed the requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. The Apex location offers 10 covered charging bays and up to 400-kilowatt fast charging.
“We’re building an experience that puts drivers first,” Ionna CEO Seth Cutler said to a crowd that included business leaders, city officials and media. “This is a commitment to American ingenuity, innovation, job creation and to solve a problem that until now proved to be elusive,” he said.
Gas stations are abundant and, in most cases, have bathrooms, food and shelter from the outdoor elements. Historically, charging stations have been sparse, isolated and without basic amenities like restrooms or even a place to sit. Ionna is hoping to redefine the charging experience. At the Apex location, drivers are met with a sizable, sleek indoor lounge with secure access to bathrooms, coffee service, food and Wi-Fi where they can relax or work while their vehicle charges.
The Rechargery in Garner will introduce Amazon’s AI and sensor walk-in-and-out technology with grab-and-go refreshment stations, allowing customers to pick up snacks and leave without waiting in checkout lines. These advancements are part of Ionna’s vision to make EV charging seamless and comfortable for drivers on the road and rival current gas stations and rest stops.
Cutler emphasized Ionna’s mission as “more than just installing chargers — it’s about creating a driver-first experience. By combining fast, reliable charging with modern amenities and cutting-edge technology, Ionna is positioning itself as a leader in next-gen EV infrastructure,” he said.
The Apex facility has the appearance of a vintage fueling center built around a railroad steam engine refill pond in the historic district of the Wake County town. As Apex mayor Jacques Gilbert addressed the audience, the whistle from a train barreling down the nearby tracks interrupted his opening remarks. “Ain’t that North Carolina,” he laughed. “How about that?”
Before thanking government officials and Ionna, which is headquartered in Durham, Gilbert said, “Today we stand at the intersection of history and innovation, where the past meets the future.”
As Ionna expands across the country and beyond, EV drivers can expect more locations offering fast, dependable, standardized charging stations with amenities. The launch of the Apex Rechargery ushers in a new era in EV infrastructure, with customer experience at the forefront.
“As we meet you, the millions of EV drivers on the open road, this network is for you,” Cutler said. “Built not to force change but to give you the freedom, reliability and choice that you deserve.”
