Europe-wide, brand-independent charging network: How the startup IONITY is driving e-mobility forward through cooperation

Electromobility stands and falls with a reliable charging infrastructure. This is exactly where the Munich-based startup IONITY comes in: Founded in 2017 as a joint venture between BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Motor Group, Kia, Mercedes-Benz AG, and Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche, along with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), part of BlackRock, as a financial investor, the company operates over 700 charging parks across 24 countries and is considered a trailblazer of a new, everyday-ready mobility.
In this exclusive interview with IONITY Partnerships Marketing Manager Thomas Stephenson, you’ll learn how the company was founded, what sets it apart from other charging providers – and why partnerships with brands such as L’Osteria or Village Hotels are key to integrating e-mobility even more deeply into everyday life. The interview also explores IONITY Fleet – a solution designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility options for corporate fleets.

Thomas, how did the founding of IONITY come about, and what sets you apart from other providers of electric vehicle charging?

IONITY was founded in 2017 as a joint venture of leading automobile manufacturers with the goal of making electromobility suitable for everyday use on long-distance routes and in urban areas. From the very beginning, our approach was European: we wanted to provide a comprehensive, brand-independent, and reliable charging network for electric vehicles across Europe, powered exclusively by renewable energy.

What sets us apart is the combination of the fastest charging performance, European coverage, and consistent sustainability. We operate all our stations with 100% renewable energy. In terms of speed, systems offering up to 600 kW will be available starting in winter 2025/26, complementing our existing charging stations that already deliver at least 350 kW. This allows a range of 300 km to be charged in less than eight minutes.

Thomas Stephenson – Partnerships Marketing Manager 

Today, you cooperate with well-known partners and offer your services throughout Europe. What has been the biggest challenge along the way?

One of the biggest challenges was creating a consistent charging experience across Europe. Different national regulations, technical standards, and approval processes all had to be harmonized. At the same time, building a high-power charging network requires significant investment in technology and infrastructure.

Since this year, you’ve been cooperating with L’Osteria. How did that come about? Are there other chains you’re partnering with?

The cooperation with L’Osteria is a great example of how we’re integrating charging more closely into people’s everyday lives. While the car charges, our customers can enjoy a high-quality meal – turning the charging stop into a pleasant break.

A first milestone of this partnership was reached in Rosbach vor der Höhe, near Frankfurt. There, we put six new high-power charging stations with up to 350 kilowatts each into operation in the parking lot of the local L’Osteria on Carl-Benz-Straße.

Before that, we had already installed fast-charging stations at several L’Osteria locations, including Bruchsal, Bornheim, Marl, Castrop-Rauxel, and Bernau am Chiemsee. These existing locations are now part of the partnership.

With L’Osteria, we’ve found a partner who, like us, focuses on quality, hospitality, and customer proximity. Strategically placed high-power charging stations at busy locations help increase acceptance of electromobility and are the perfect answer to the growing demand for charging infrastructure, especially in urban areas.

Another important partner is Village Hotels in the UK. Here, we’re working together to provide Village Hotel guests at all 33 hotels with at least 12 charging points each, offering up to 350 kW of power. One special feature – as with L’Osteria – is that all charging points are available 24/7 to non-customers as well.

Jeroen van Tilburg (CEO) and Torsten Kiedel (CFO) at IONITY

That sounds truly impressive! Why are such partnerships important and worthwhile for you?

Partnerships are essential to establish e-mobility and its infrastructure in a sustainable and meaningful way. We want to create charging opportunities where people naturally spend time. This way, electromobility becomes both practical and part of everyday life.

Both sides benefit: our partners expand their offerings with a sustainable service, while we reach new target groups. The result is a classic win-win situation.

With IONITY Fleet, you’ve launched a solution specifically for corporate fleets. What does that look like, and how do companies benefit from your service?

With IONITY Fleet, we’re tapping into a new market and responding to the rising demand for sustainable mobility solutions for companies. Fleet vehicles account for more than half of all new cars sold annually in Europe – their transition to electric mobility is therefore central to decarbonizing transport.

IONITY Fleet offers competitive charging rates, flexible tariff models, and centralized billing that reduces administrative effort for fleet managers and provides full cost control. With over 700 premium charging parks and more than 5,000 HPC points in 24 European countries, IONITY significantly shortens charging times and increases fleet productivity. Since we use 100% renewable energy, we also support our customers’ sustainability goals.

A particular highlight is our corporate RFID card, which provides seamless access to all IONITY stations across Europe – no separate authentication or registration required. Large fleets with more than 250 vehicles can even design the card in their own corporate branding, further integrating it into their brand world.

Contact
Website: www.ionity.eu
LinkedIn: Thomas Stephenson / Jeroen van Tilburg / Torsten Kiedel