Kia and Audi have made an additional investment in Ionity that will increase the number of ultra-fast 350kW charge points in the pan-European EV charging network from 1,500 to 7,000 by 2025.
As part of the €700 million network expansion, the two manufacturers, as shareholders along with BlackRock Global Renewable Power, will expand the number of ultra-fast charging stations in the network from 400 to 1,000.
Ionity currently operates in 24 countries and is a joint venture between BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Motor Group (including Kia), Mercedes Benz and the Volkswagen Group with its brands Audi and Porsche.
The chargers will be placed along the European motorway network and installed along trunk roads and near major cities.
Also, existing charging sites located in areas that have high traffic levels will be upgraded with new charge points.
Ionity will also look to acquire more of its own properties and build and operate its own service stations.
Jason Jeong, president at Kia Europe, said, “As we look towards the phasing out of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles over the next ten years, it is essential that drivers have access to an expansive and reliable fast-charging infrastructure.
“Our further investment in Ionity will see a significant expansion of ultra-fast chargers across Europe that will support our vehicles’ high voltage capabilities.”
Markus Duesmann, chairman of the Board of Management of Audi, added: “We are transitioning our product range to electric cars in all of our core segments.
“With its focus on advancing and improving the charging network offering, Ionity’s massive expansion will play a key role in making electric vehicles more attractive.”
