IONITY, a joint venture of BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group with Porsche AG, today presented its innovative and new High-Power charger and welcomed additional shareholder Hyundai Motor Group on board. The joint venture’s mission is to make pan-European electromobility a reality.

IONITY’s new, award-winning High-Power chargers are instantly recognisable thanks to their lighting concept and deliver a significantly improved user experience compared to what is currently available in Europe. The innovative styling is the result of intensive user research carried out by Designworks and is intended to make the charging experience more comfortable, more secure and less hassle. The IONITY High-Power charger with its iconic looks and improved easy-to-use functionality – supports its vision to accelerate e-mobility by leading High Power Charging.

At 2.6 metres in height, the all-new IONITY High-Power charger features a unique multi-functional LED light ring – The Halo – acting as a beacon on the highways at night and making it easier for drivers to find stations on forecourts.

The light ring communicates the chargers availability depending on the colour as well as providing a well-lit area helpful for drivers charging their cars during the hours of darkness. It communicates the state of charge by changing colour. As well as its distinct LED beacon, the new IONITY High-Power charger features advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens, making the process of charging a vehicle as simple and stress-free as possible. Information is presented to the customer in a structured menu, which is easy to understand with commonality across all European markets. The IONITY HPC chargers which have already been installed across Europe will be updated accordingly in order to be able to incorporate the same menu. Customers can select from up to ten languages across Europe . This is supported by a 24/7 hotline which from October will be able to respond in the seven most-frequently used European languages.

The charging cable management system is now far more user friendly thanks to the helpful repositioning of the cable so that it feeds from above. In addition, this makes the cable more flexible when approaching your vehicle and plugging in.

The new chargers won the gold award at the 2019 iF Design Awards where 67 experts from more than 50 countries honoured the IONITY product design and said that, ‘ the IONITY electric charger is a highly aesthetic answer to one of the key issues of e-mobility: long distance travel.’

Michael Hajesch, IONITY CEO, said: “We are confident our new IONITY High-Power chargers will make a significant contribution to e-mobility in general and to the European IONITY HPC network in particular. Forward-looking product design with innovative lighting solutions, user-friendly cable management, advanced digital user interface and class-leading architecture will make EV charging more convenient and safer for customers.”

IONITY’s technology partner TRITIUM is the first manufacturer to industrialize the new IONITY High-Power charger on a large scale with its market leading 350kW capacity. The charger incorporates a fully flush compartment with no bumps, no exposed screws or pop rivets – the charging point is entirely smooth which further demonstrates the high standard achieved in the design and engineering. The European IONITY HPC network will benefit significantly from these new products, with the first IONITY station to feature the new High-Power charger opening in Denmark this autumn.

Tritium CEO and co-founder, David Finn, said: “These are true state-of-the-art chargers, which will change the very look and feel of highways across the continent. When people see these bright beacons shining in the distance, they’ll know that they get served in a most convenient, safe and fastest rate possible.”

IONITY’s initial network of 400 High-Power charging stations is planned to be deployed by the end of 2020, and will include many of the new IONITY High-Power chargers. Approximately 140 IONITY HPC stations are currently up and running with over 50 under construction. The 350kW charging network is future-proofed while at the same time serving today’s EVs. Located on or near the highway, they make e-mobility a convenient, reliable and everyday experience. By teaming up with strategic site partners more than 95 percent of the planned IONITY network has already been covered with a corresponding range of good quality amenities available on site.

The IONITY High-Power charging network across 24 European countries is powered by 100% renewable energy. By offering only renewable energy IONITY is acting responsibly to reduce the individual CO₂ footprint of all customers charging at IONITY stations.

New Shareholder
IONITY is delighted to welcome onboard Hyundai Motor Group as their latest shareholder in the joint venture. Hyundai Motor Group which includes the Hyundai and Kia brands will be joining existing partners BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group with Porsche AG – further strengthening IONITY.

Michael Hajesch, CEO of IONITY, said: “IONITY is pleased to welcome the new Shareholder on board. Hyundai Motor Group brings significant international experience and know-how with a full strategic commitment to e-mobility. The participation of new investors in IONITY is a clear signal of trust indicating that the work of our young company is already bearing fruit.”

Credit: IONITY