IONNA, the automaker-backed EV charging network, has entered a strategic partnership with convenience retailer Circle K to build more than 350 co-branded charging locations across the United States. The deal positions the joint venture — founded by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota — to pair its 400 kW fast-charging hardware with Circle K’s 7,300-store U.S. footprint under the “Rechargeries @ Circle K” brand.
Highlights
- IONNA will assume operation of Circle K’s existing U.S. charging portfolio and upgrade approximately 85 current sites.
- The partners plan to expand to more than 350 co-branded charging locations, with new builds at high-traffic Circle K stores.
- Chargers will deliver up to 400 kW with both NACS and CCS connectors.
- The first Rechargeries @ Circle K sites are expected to open by late 2026, with broader rollout in 2027.
Deal Structure and Rollout Timeline
The agreement gives IONNA operational control over Circle K’s existing U.S. charging portfolio. The company plans to convert and upgrade roughly 85 sites already equipped with chargers, while simultaneously deploying new stations at locations where no charging infrastructure currently exists.
The first co-branded sites will begin serving drivers by the end of 2026. Additional locations are scheduled to come online throughout 2027 as IONNA scales deployments at what it described as premium, high-traffic Circle K stores.
“We are honored that Circle K has recognized IONNA as a leader in the industry and entrusted us to serve their customers with the same care and commitment to excellence that they show now,” said Aaron Wolff, COO of IONNA. “Circle K’s scale, customer focus, and quality of location make them an ideal partner as we rapidly expand high-power charging where drivers already want to stop.”
Charging Specs and Driver Experience
Each Rechargeries @ Circle K location will feature IONNA’s charging hardware with speeds up to 400 kW and support for both NACS and CCS connector standards. The dual-connector approach ensures compatibility across the current EV market.
Circle K brings its retail experience to the partnership. Drivers will have access to the chain’s food and beverage options, packaged goods, and car wash services at select locations while their vehicles charge.
“At Circle K, our ambition is to make EV charging as easy and convenient as possible for our customers,” said Håkon Stiksrud, VP of Global eMobility at Circle K. “Partnering with IONNA enables us to scale high-power charging quickly at locations drivers already trust—combining fast, reliable charging with a great food and beverage experience. This partnership is an important step in preparing for the future, delivering not just charging, but a complete retail experience that supports our customers on the go.”
Strategic Context
The Circle K deal follows a similar convenience-store partnership IONNA announced with Casey’s in late 2025, signaling a broader strategy of co-locating fast chargers at established retail destinations rather than building standalone sites. IONNA has been expanding rapidly since its 2024 launch, having contracted more than 200 sites and opened multiple Rechargeries across the country.
Circle K, owned by Canadian parent company Alimentation Couche-Tard, has been building its own EV charging presence in parallel. The retailer operates more than 3,000 branded chargers across Europe and opened its first EV charging–only convenience location in Sweden in 2025.
The partnership advances IONNA’s stated goal of deploying 30,000 high-power charging bays by 2030.
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