BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group have announced a new joint venture called IONITY. It will build a Pan-European High-Power-Charging (HPC) Network for electric vehicles. IONITY will build and operate about 400 fast charging stations across European major road networks by 2020. They intend to open at least 20 stations in multiple European countries by the end of 2017 which is just 2 months away!

For these major car manufacturers to invest so heavily in this joint venture is further proof that they believe the future is electric.

IONITY charging stations will offer a charging capacity of up to 350 kW which will enable reduced charging time significantly when compared to existing systems.  It will also be multi-brand compatibility with current and future generations of electric vehicles through a Combined Charging System (CCS)

This is a game changer for European drivers as it will form the back bone of an extensive charging network especially after it was recently announced that fossil fuel giant Shell recently bought NewMotion one of Europe’s largest electric vehicle charging providers.

COO Dr. Marcus Groll (left) & CEO Dr. Michael Hajesch (right)

Here is the full press release:-

Munich, Nov. 3, 2017 – BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche today announced joint venture IONITY that will develop and implement a High-Power Charging (HPC) network for electric vehicles across Europe. Launching approximately 400 HPC stations by 2020, IONITY will make long-distance journeys easier and marks an important step for electric vehicles. Based in Munich, Germany,the joint venture is led by Chief Executive Officer Michael Hajesch and Chief Operating Officer Marcus Groll, with a growing team, set to number 50 by the start of 2018.

“The first pan-European HPC network plays an essential role in establishing a market for electric vehicles. IONITY will deliver our common goal of providing customers with fast charging and digital payment capability to facilitate long-distance travel,”said Hajesch.

A total of 20 stations will be opened to the public this year, located on major roads in Germany, Norway and Austria, at intervals of 120km, through partnerships with “Tank & Rast”, “CircleK” and “OMV”. Through 2018, the network will expand to more than 100 stations, each one enabling multiple customers, driving different manufacturer cars, to charge their vehicles simultaneously. With a capacity of up to 350 kW per charging point, the network will use the European charging standard Combined Charging System to significantly reduce charging times compared to existing systems.

The brand-agnostic approach and Europe-wide distribution is expected to help make electrified vehicles more appealing. Choosing the best location stakes into account potential integration with existing charging technologies and IONITY is negotiating with existing infrastructure initiatives, including those supported by the participating companies as well as political institutions.

The investment underlines the commitment that the participating manufacturers are making in electric vehicles and relies on international co-operation across the industry. The founding partners, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group, have equal shares in the joint venture, while other automotive manufacturers are invited to help expand the network.

For more information, please go to: www.ionity.eu

Credit: IONITY