It's also planning to open four more in North Texas as the company builds out a nationwide network.
What they're doing: Ionna is a joint venture between BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota.
The venture aims to open 30,000 charging bays across the U.S. by 2030 — roughly the same number of plugs Tesla has today, but with faster speeds.
Ionna's "rechargeries" will offer fast charging and amenities such as lighted canopies, coffee, bathrooms, food, and spaces to hang out or take meetings. Think gas station, but better — and electric.
Zoom in: The Houston Rechargery offers eight recharging bays, restrooms and pet facilities.
Electric vehicles have "made major strides" in Houston, with sales on new EVs doubling to 6.2% in the first quarter of this year, per the Houston Automobile Dealers Association.
Zoom out: Amenities vary by location. The first rechargery in Apex, North Carolina, is in a former gas station, where the service shop is now a cafe.
Another rechargery in Garner, North Carolina, features Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology in the snack shop.
Fun fact: The fastest Tesla chargers deliver up to 250 kW of power; Ionna chargers provide 400 kW.
What they're saying: "We're experimenting with different business models," CEO Seth Cutler tells Axios. "We want to make sure the driver experience they have is better, bar none, than what they'd have at a gas station today."
