Automakers' Charging Network Expands
Joint venture Ionna to invest $250 million in the biggest EV-adopting state

Ionna adds over 1,000 charging bays to its network.
Pexels/smart-me AG
After a week-long kickoff tour across major metropolitan cities in California, joint venture and nationwide electric vehicle charging network Ionna announced a planned $250 million investment in the California EV infrastructure.
It said more than 1,000 bays have been contracted across the Golden State, bringing Ionna’s total network to over 4,000 bays nationwide.
"This week’s expansion into California is a snapshot of the national momentum Ionna has built in under a year’s time,” said Ionna CEO Seth Cutler.
The first flagship location is the Westminster Rechargery Beacon in Southern California. Ionna ambassadors will partner with local auto dealerships and EV groups to host an event on-site following the opening of each location. The venture said it aims to educate new EV drivers about the benefits of electric mobility and give them a glimpse into the growing network.
All vehicles with North American Charging System or Combined Charging System connectors can access the chargers, according to the venture. Ford and Rivian vehicles have just been integrated into Ionna’s Plug & Charge network, joining the five automakers already in the fold: BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes. Honda, Stellantis and Toyota are on tap to join by the end of 2026.
More Industry

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Need for Speed: EV Apps Lack Consistency
Fifty-five percent of surveyed EV owners said their mobile applications had a major or moderate impact on their purchasing decisions, but connectivity issues remain a problem.
Read More →
Inventory of New Units Stable
Auto brands spent April clearing out most of their 2025 supply with incentives while holding firm on 2026 prices, striking a balance to meet demand and protect their bottom lines.
Read More →
Auto Trade Group Supports Emissions Delay
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation announced its support of a delayed timeline for federal emission standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles.
Read More →
Backup Cameras Causing Concern
Research has shown that the devices bring significant safety benefits, though many recalled U.S. units have yet to be repaired.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
Air Bag Inspections Urged
ASE has issued guidance for service technicians to inspect units in vehicles they work on to ensure they’re not suspect air bags linked to deaths.
Read More →
Michigan Auto Group Acquires Ohio Rooftops
Feldman Automotive Group added two new brands, Honda and Toyota, to its portfolio with its latest acquisition of four Fireside dealerships in Ohio.
Read More →
BMW Group Invests in AI
Its venture capital arm, BMW i Ventures’, third fund will focus on agentic and physical artificial intelligence, as well as sustainable industrial processes and materials.
Read More →
Subaru Exec Retires, Role Evolves
Subaru of America is revamping its fixed operations department to emphasize the automaker’s commitment to enhancing customer ownership experience.
Read More →