Ionna to equip Sheetz stores with chargers in the USA

In the USA, Ionna is entering into a strategic partnership with the restaurant and convenience store chain Sheetz to build a total of 50 charging parks at Sheetz locations by the end of 2026. Ionna is a North American joint venture fast-charging joint venture from BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota.

The first charging parks, which Ionna calls “Rechargeries,” will be installed at three Sheetz locations in late December 2024: Springfield and Willoughby, Ohio, and Scranton, Pennsylvania. All Rechargeries will include multiple high-power charging bays, covered by the signature red canopies for weather protection.

Sheetz currently operates over 750 store locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio and North Carolina. The company says it is in the process of expanding and will have 1,000 store locations by 2028. So far, Sheetz is aiming to have 50 Ionna Rechargeries installed at its locations by 2026. Sheetz says the roll-out of charging infrastructure at stores is to be accompanied by incentives and loyalty programs for patrons of the two companies in 2025.

Sheetz convenience stores offer made-to-order fast food and are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most Sheetz locations include a gas station, and some are full-scale truck stops offering showers and a laundromat.

“Our mission at Sheetz is to put the Sheetz as we know it today, out of business,” said Trevor Walter, EVP of petroleum supply management at Sheetz. “We do this through constantly evolving our business and introducing forward-thinking solutions.” He said aims to enhance charging infrastructure as the electric vehicle market expands. “Our collaboration with Ionna has rapidly enabled us to bring more advanced charging options to our customers, demonstrating the power of innovation in delivering seamless, future-focused services,” he added.

Ionna was officially founded in February 2024, although its first project had already been announced in the summer of 2023. In October 2024, Ionna started the construction of its first site in North Carolina. This Rechargery in Apex, North Carolina, is being built on the site of a former petrol station and will have ten covered charging stations with up to 400 kW charging via CCS or NACS. According to the Ionna shareholder BMW, the lounge will offer “secure access to bathrooms, coffee service, food/beverage, and WIFI to relax or work while your vehicle charges.” Outdoor facilities and “pet-friendly amenities” will also be just a few steps away.

ionna.com