IONNA Launches Nationwide EV Charging Network with Automaker Alliance
IONNA, the joint venture formed by eight major automakers—BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota—has officially transitioned from public beta to a full-scale national rollout. This milestone was celebrated at the opening of the first IONNA Rechargery in Apex, NC, alongside the launch of its new headquarters and Customer Experience Lab in Durham, NC.
Following a successful testing phase in late 2024, which included over 4,400 charging sessions across 80+ vehicle models, IONNA is expanding rapidly. Over 100 charging sites are already contracted, with new locations now open in Houston, TX, and Abilene, KS, and more under construction, including Willcox, AZ. The company plans to deploy 1,000+ charging bays in 2025, with a long-term vision of 30,000 bays over five years, creating jobs and advancing American manufacturing.
IONNA is also introducing AI-powered “Just Walk Out” retail technology in collaboration with Amazon, allowing drivers to grab on-the-go essentials without checkout lines. Additionally, it aims to set new standards in interoperability, with Plug & Charge technology, AI-driven smart reservations, and in-car payment integration, making it the most advanced charging network in the U.S.
By combining cutting-edge technology, driver-focused innovation, and a deep investment in American infrastructure, IONNA is revolutionizing EV charging and shaping the future of electric mobility.
Driivz: SOC 2 Type II Certification
Driivz, a leading global software provider for EV charging operators, has successfully completed the SOC 2 Type II audit conducted by PwC, reinforcing its commitment to data security, privacy, and compliance. The certification, established by the AICPA, verifies Driivz’s rigorous controls in protecting sensitive customer and operational data, including billing information, personally identifiable information (PII), and energy usage details. As cybersecurity remains a key concern for the growing EV market, this milestone positions Driivz as a trusted partner in secure and scalable EV infrastructure. By adhering to the highest industry standards, Driivz ensures its platform is equipped to support the transition to a fully electrified transportation future.
AmpUp and Curo Partner
AmpUp, a leading EV charging solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Curo, a Virtual Depot platform that facilitates leasable EV charging for fleets. This collaboration integrates AmpUp’s expansive charging network with Curo’s platform, allowing charger owners to lease their stations to fleets during off-peak hours. By providing software and hardware support, AmpUp helps create a cost-effective and efficient charging ecosystem.
The partnership addresses key barriers to fleet electrification, including the high cost of dedicated infrastructure and underutilized charging stations. Site hosts can monetize idle chargers, while fleets gain affordable and reliable access to charging without major upfront investments. This win-win model benefits site hosts through new revenue streams, fleet operators by reducing costs and streamlining operations, and fleet drivers by ensuring convenient, dedicated overnight charging.
AmpUp CEO Tom Sun highlights the collaboration’s role in reducing infrastructure costs and optimizing utilization, while Curo CEO Kieran White emphasizes the scalability and reliability of the shared network. Together, AmpUp and Curo are paving the way for a more accessible and sustainable EV charging solution for fleets.
ComEd Unveils $100 Million in EV Rebates to Boost Adoption in Illinois
At the Chicago Auto Show, ComEd announced a $100 million rebate initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Illinois. The program, set for 2025, seeks to reduce upfront costs for residential and commercial customers by offering rebates for home EV chargers, fleet electrification, and charging infrastructure for businesses and public institutions. The funding is part of a broader strategy to advance Illinois’ goal of 1 million EVs on the road by 2030, as mandated by the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
The largest share of the funding—$53 million—will go toward business and public sector EV fleet purchases, including incentives for small businesses looking to electrify their commercial fleets. Another $38 million will support charging infrastructure upgrades for non-residential customers, while $9 million will help residential customers offset the cost of installing Level 2 (L2) home chargers, with rebates of up to $3,750 per charger. A significant portion of these funds is reserved for low-income and equity-eligible communities, prioritizing areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution.
ComEd’s investment in EV adoption is already showing results. Since launching its first rebate program last year, the company has supported EV projects in over 300 ZIP codes, helping to install thousands of public and private charging ports and adding more than 200 electric fleet vehicles for schools, businesses, and municipalities. In addition, ComEd has partnered with local governments through its EV Readiness Program, providing municipalities with training and policy support to prepare for increased EV demand.
As Illinois continues to embrace clean transportation, ComEd is working to streamline the EV transition for customers. The company has introduced fleet electrification assessments, a make-ready rebate reservation program, and an EV Service Provider Network, connecting customers with certified local contractors. With EV adoption rising rapidly—Illinois now has over 126,000 electric vehicles on the road—ComEd’s efforts are expected to play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable, zero-emission future for the state.
ComEd and Nuvve Launch Pilot to Harness Electric School Buses for Grid Stability
ComEd, Nuvve Holding Corp., and Resource Innovations have announced a new pilot program to explore the benefits of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology using electric school buses in northern Illinois. Running through Q4 2025, the initiative will assess how stored energy in school bus batteries can be used to enhance grid stability, reduce costs, and support local communities.
The pilot will involve three school districts within ComEd’s service area, allowing the utility to study the potential for bidirectional charging—where buses not only draw power from the grid but also return energy during peak demand periods. ComEd sees V2G as a key innovation in its broader push for beneficial electrification, which includes customer EV rebates, fleet electrification programs, and expanded charging infrastructure.
With over 126,000 EVs now on Illinois roads, more than double the number since 2022, this initiative aligns with the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) goal of 1 million EVs by 2030. By integrating V2G technology, ComEd and its partners aim to make EVs not just a cleaner transportation option but also a valuable energy resource for a more sustainable grid.
Microvast to Unveil Next-Gen Fast-Charging Batteries at Smart Energy Week 2025
Microvast Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MVST), a global leader in advanced battery technologies, will showcase its latest high-performance, fast-charging battery solutions at Smart Energy Week 2025 in Tokyo from February 19-21. The company will highlight its cutting-edge battery innovations designed for battery energy storage systems (BESS), commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and specialty vehicles.
Key innovations include:
- Ultra-fast charging: Achieves 80% charge in just 15 minutes
- Extended cycle life: Up to 8,000 charge-discharge cycles, enabling over one million kilometers of vehicle operation
- Enhanced safety: Certified by UNECE-R100.3, GB 38031, UL2580, and AIS038
- Compact, high-density design: 180Wh/kg energy density for seamless integration into various applications
- New ME6 BESS system: A first-of-its-kind, overhaulable 565Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) energy storage solution
Microvast’s leadership reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation in sustainable energy solutions, with CEO Yang Wu and CTO Dr. Wenjuan Mattis emphasizing their dedication to advancing battery technology for greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Blue Bird Corp Donates E-Bus to Hoop Bus
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), a leader in electric and low-emission school buses, has donated a zero-emission electric bus to Hoop Bus Inc., a nonprofit focused on youth programming and community engagement. The full-size bus, modified into a mobile basketball court with hoops on both ends, will bring basketball-based programs to underserved communities in California.
The Hoop Bus debut takes place at West Oakland Middle School, featuring a P.E. Takeover event that promotes health equity, teamwork, and self-confidence. The event also marks the start of a series leading up to the NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2025.
Key highlights:
- Electric bus conversion includes collaborative seating, storage, flatscreen TVs, and solar panels for clean energy.
- Blue Bird’s contribution helps reduce emissions while supporting youth engagement.
- InCharge Energy partnership provides a Level 2 charger to keep the bus fully powered for daily activities.
Since 2019, Hoop Bus has reached 320,000 youth annually and operates six mobile courts nationwide, with three buses originally built by Blue Bird. This donation strengthens the mission of using basketball as a tool for empowerment and community building.
Johnson Matthey & Bosch Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tech
Johnson Matthey and Bosch have agreed to collaborate on developing and producing catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) for fuel cell stacks, aiming to accelerate hydrogen-powered mobility. The partnership will integrate JM’s high-performance CCMs into Bosch’s fuel cell power modules for commercial vehicles, designed for long-range efficiency.
The agreement was formalized at Bosch’s fuel cell center in Stuttgart-Feuerbach, Germany, where executives from both companies emphasized the potential of fuel cell technology to support cleaner transportation. Bosch sees fuel cells as ready for widespread use, while JM remains committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the automotive industry.
This collaboration highlights the growing role of hydrogen in decarbonizing transportation, offering a zero-emission alternative for commercial vehicles.
Volkswagen Unveils Ambitious Plans for Electric Future
At a recent works meeting in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schäfer outlined the brand’s future strategy, highlighting plans for a new entry-level electric vehicle priced around €20,000. The show car will debut in March, with the production model launching in 2027. This initiative aims to make e-mobility accessible to a broader audience, reinforcing Volkswagen’s commitment to affordable, high-quality EVs.
The Wolfsburg plant will remain the brand’s innovation hub, with future production focusing on the next-generation electric Golf and T-Roc. These models will utilize the advanced Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), positioning Wolfsburg as a key site for electric compact cars.
Volkswagen’s “triple A” plan—accelerate, attack, achieve—targets technological leadership by 2030. The strategy includes optimizing cost structures, launching nine new models by 2027, and setting new global mobility standards.