Ionna Partners With Circle K on 350 EV Charging Sites

Electric vehicle drivers are about to get a lot more charging options at their favorite convenience stores.

Ionna, a charging network founded by eight major automakers including General Motors, Toyota, and Stellantis, announced a partnership with Circle K to install high-powered charging stations at more than 350 locations across the United States. The deal brings EV charging to the familiar rest stop experience drivers already know.

The partnership does more than just add new chargers. Ionna is taking over Circle K's existing charging network of 378 ports across 93 locations and upgrading them with modern equipment that's faster and more reliable.

All Ionna stations come equipped with 400-kilowatt charging dispensers that work with both traditional CCS connectors and Tesla-style NACS plugs. That means nearly any EV on the road can pull up and charge without compatibility worries.

The expansion pushes Ionna closer to its ambitious goal of installing 30,000 charging bays by 2030. Despite recent slowdowns in EV sales growth, charging companies are racing ahead with infrastructure buildout in anticipation of future demand.

Why This Inspires

The partnership solves one of the biggest headaches for EV drivers: finding convenient, reliable charging while traveling. Unlike many standalone charging stations, Circle K locations offer the amenities people actually need during a 30-minute charging session.

Travelers can use clean restrooms, grab a snack, connect to Wi-Fi, or stretch their legs while their car powers up. It's the same familiar gas station experience, just electrified for a cleaner future.

Circle K isn't alone in seeing the opportunity. Ionna has already partnered with Sheetz and Wawa, while other charging companies are installing stations at Pilot, Flying J, and Buc-ee's locations. The trend reflects a simple truth: convenience stores and charging stations are a natural fit.

For retailers, the math is compelling. While someone pumping gas might spend 10 minutes at a location, EV drivers typically charge for 30 minutes or more. That's extra time to browse, buy coffee, or pick up lunch.

The nationwide buildout of fast chargers continues at record pace, creating a charging network that finally matches the convenience Americans expect from their vehicles.