Charades, Battleship, and 20 Questions are examples of fun guessing games. One thing that should never be on this list? Public EV charging prices.  

When given the pro/con list of adopting an electric vehicle, “lower transportation costs” falls in the pro column. But more often than not, a driver will pull up to a public charger and find themselves doing mental gymnastics. What’s the price per kilowatt-hour? Is that the price for everyone or just members? Is there a monthly fee? How many apps must a person download just to juice up their EV?

All that uncertainty can make it difficult to understand what a charging stop will actually cost, and whether driving an EV is really delivering the value you expected.

At IONNA, we think the conversation about price should be straightforward, and we’re building the public charging network to make that possible. So let’s simplify the math.

What are you actually paying for?

Gas is priced by the gallon. Public EV charging is usually priced by the kilowatt-hour, or kWh, which measures the energy delivered to your battery.

In theory, crunching the numbers should be easy. The price per kWh is simply multiplied by the amount of energy added during your session. If a charging stop adds 50 kWh at $0.39 per kWh, the energy cost is $19.50 before taxes. The total cost of your own session will depend on how much energy your vehicle needs, just as the cost of a stop at the gas station depends on how many gallons you put in the tank.

But the math is only simple when the starting price is clear. Drivers shouldn’t need a degree in calculus to determine whether the rate they see is the rate they’ll get.

IONNA keeps public charging pricing simple 

Today, across the IONNA network, the price per kilowatt is never more than $0.39, plus applicable taxes. That’s true no matter which Rechargery you visit to charge your EV.

At IONNA, there is no “starting at” qualifier and no paid monthly membership required to access our $0.39 pricing. You don’t have to calculate whether you charge often enough to make another subscription worthwhile.

Paying for your charge is easy, too. Depending on your vehicle and preferences, you can pay with a credit card, use a compatible charging app, or plug in with Plug & Charge for eligible vehicles.

Whether you visit an IONNA Rechargery every day, stop during an occasional road trip, or pull in for the first time, the price listed is the price received, no extra password or membership needed.

Why predictable public EV charging prices matter

Public charging plays a different role for every driver. For daily commuters without reliable at-home charging, it may be part of the weekly routine. For road-trippers, it keeps vacations, family visits, and spontaneous detours moving. For drivers considering their first EV, public charging prices may be a significant factor in deciding whether the switch makes financial sense.

In any of these cases, predictability matters. Knowing that IONNA offers a consistent per-kilowatt price ceiling makes it easier to estimate your EV charging costs. Our no-strings-attached pricing also means the value of your charging stop doesn’t depend on how frequently you use the network. A driver who charges twice a day and one who charges twice a year both deserve fair, transparent pricing.

Affordable shouldn’t mean bare-bones

Price is important, but it isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to an EV charging stop. A bargain loses some of its charm if the charger isn’t reliable, the location is difficult to reach, or the stop lacks basic, on-the-road necessities.

IONNA Rechargeries are designed to pair affordable pricing with a reliable, welcoming experience. Our Rechargeries feature both NACS and CCS connectors, and Genuine IONNA Charge Dispensers can deliver up to 400 kW. Rechargeries include practical touches such as trash cans and car-care tools, and select locations offer access to food and beverages, restrooms, Wi-Fi, lounges, retail, and covered charging bays.

Our idea of value doesn’t come down to a dollar sign. We built our Rechargeries to provide a price you can understand, charging you can rely on, and roadside hospitality for you and your car.

Let’s make charging prices less complicated

We know drivers are paying attention to price, as they should. Transportation is a major part of the household budget, and no one enjoys ending a charging session with an unexpected and exorbitant bill.

IONNA’s approach is straightforward. We offer a reliable, affordable choice for daily commutes, long-distance adventures, and everything in between. We simplify the equation for drivers comparing EV charging costs against gas prices, and it eases a common pain point for those who already own an EV. 

We call it membership pricing, without the membership.

The final weeks of summer hold a special sense of possibility. The calendar may be inching toward carpools, packed lunches, and early alarms, but before all that kicks in, there’s still time for one more seasonal adventure.

Whether you’d like to visit family, chase a funky roadside attraction, or head to a new town you’ve always meant to explore, your EV gives you the freedom to save on gas and travel on your terms. And with a little preparation and reliable EV charging along the way, the drive can be part of the fun instead of a hassle.

That’s where IONNA comes in. We’re building a nationwide network of Rechargeries so you can spend less time worrying about your next charge and more time enjoying the miles in between. 

Here’s how to plan an easy, memorable EV road trip in six simple steps.

1. Pick a destination, but leave room for discovery

Before you head out on your road trip, start with the basics: Where are you going? How much time do you have? Are you looking for the quickest route, the most scenic one, or a comfortable blend of both? 

Once you decide on the details, leave a few blanks on the itinerary. Give yourself time to stop at hidden gems like the farm stand with locally-grown produce, the swimming hole a friendly stranger recommends, or the diner that turns out to have the best blueberry pie you’ve ever tasted.

Take it from us. Earlier this summer, we struck out on our own road trip from North Carolina to Florida, using only IONNA Rechargeries to juice up along the way. The reliable charging stops kept us moving, but the 80-foot Eiffel Tower, the peach slushies, and the adorable dog we met along the way were the detours that made the trip memorable. 

2. Map your charging stops before you roll

When it comes to an EV road trip, the last thing you should worry about is your vehicle’s battery running low.

Before leaving home, take time to identify charging options along your route. IONNA Rechargeries are positioned along major highways and in metro areas to support everyday driving and long-distance travel.

Our Find a Rechargery map makes it a breeze to locate stations along your route. You can also find IONNA locations through tools many drivers already use, including Google Maps, PlugShare, and a growing list of automaker apps.  

Build in a comfortable battery buffer to account for that scenic exit, unexpected slowdown or emergency restroom stop without a second thought about your range estimate.

3. Know what to expect when you pull in to charge

The best charging experiences are pleasantly uneventful. You pull up, plug in, take a break, and get back on the road. No unexpected roadblocks.

IONNA makes that possible. Our Rechargeries feature both NACS and CCS connectors, and our IONNA Genuine Charge Dispensers operate up to 400 kW. Flexible payment options let you choose the method that works for you, whether that’s a credit card, a compatible app, or Plug & Charge for eligible vehicles.

If you’re trying a new payment method or driving a recently purchased EV, be sure to set it up before the trip. Confirm that your preferred app is updated, add a card if needed, and check whether your vehicle supports Plug & Charge. Five minutes at home can make every stop along the way feel as easy as a Sunday morning drive.

If you need help on the road, the IONNA support team is ready to assist.

4. Make every charging stop work for the whole crew

Think of your EV charging time as a chance for every passenger (and the driver, of course) to reset. It’s an opportunity to stretch your legs, clean out your car, go on a snack run, or see what’s coming up on your route. 

IONNA Rechargeries are designed with that complete stop in mind. Every Rechargery features practical touches like trash cans and car-care tools, including windshield cleaner and squeegees. Depending on the location, drivers may also find nearby or on-site restrooms, food and beverage, WiFi, retail, lounges, or covered charging bays. Before you travel, check the location details so you know which amenities are available at your planned stops.

To us, roadside hospitality means giving you and your car a chance to, well, recharge.

5. You’re hitting the open road; pack accordingly

A few essentials can keep small inconveniences from derailing the summer fun.

A basic roadside kit, tire-pressure gauge, flashlight, and first-aid supplies are smart additions to any vehicle. Let your crew choose a game, playlist, or attraction for the trip. Giving everyone a small say in the itinerary makes the journey feel like a shared adventure.

Before departure, check your tires, windshield fluid, and weather along the route. Cool down the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in at home when possible, particularly on a hot day. You’ll begin the trip comfortably and preserve more battery for the road ahead.

6. Let the trip be part of the vacation

Years after your road trip, you and your crew will tell stories about the impromptu car karaoke or the scenic overlook that wasn’t on the original route. A reliable EV charging network lets you fully experience the small moments instead of keeping one eye on the battery gauge.

At IONNA, we’re building Rechargeries that fit naturally into your journey and feel like places worth pulling over for. No matter where the final road trip of the summer takes you, we’re ready to help you create memories to last a lifetime.

One more trip before summer ends

School supply shopping and packed calendars can wait another week. For now, find an IONNA Rechargery along your route and start planning an epic escape.

Where are you headed before summer is over? Share your destination and your best EV road trip tips below!

Last month, eight EVs, one from each of our eight founding automakers — rolled out of our Durham, NC headquarters with one goal: charge only at IONNA Rechargeries, the whole way down.

Destination: Seffner, FL where our 17th Florida Rechargery was waiting for its ribbon.

Spoiler: Everybody made it. Halfway through our trip, the question stopped being can you road trip and started being why wouldn't you.

Want to see how it went? Watch our epic road trip montage 👇

https://youtu.be/_itYvm95tL8

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The route

But a road trip is truly measured in detours, and we collected some good ones:

Fayetteville, North Carolina. Just off our first leg, Fayetteville greeted us with an 80-foot Eiffel Tower.

Where "Babe" became Babe. Also in Fayetteville, we paid respects at the Gillespie Street marker where George Herman Ruth hit his first professional home run in March 1914.

Pedro's neon fever dream. You don't drive I-95 past the state line without stopping at South of the Border, the sombrero-topped roadside kingdom that's been luring travelers off the highway for generations.

Peak Georgia. At Exit 58 in Townsend, GA you'll find the famous Georgia Peach World. The #1 tourist attraction for peach everything, who supplied the convoy with peach slushies and crickets for the final push south.

Fountain check in Jacksonville. We swung by Friendship Fountain on the St. Johns River.

The oldest detour. Between Jacksonville and Daytona, we explored the Castillo de San Marcos — a 350-year-old Spanish stone fortress that has watched every era of American travel roll past.

The clinics: where the real conversations happened

The real high point of the trip? Hearing from you.

Over two days, we set up four EV clinics in Seffner, Casselberry, Pembroke Park, and Jacksonville Florida — just our crew, a new feature, and a whole lot of curiosity. More than 300 EV drivers pulled up, asked great questions, and shared their experiences charging up at IONNA.

The best way to build a better charging experience is doing it side by side with the people who use it.

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You asked, we answered

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The finish line: Rechargery No. 17

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Photos or it didn't happen

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The numbers (because we kept receipts)

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Now it's your turn

• Plan your own EV road trip: Find a Rechargery - IONNA
• Want to bring your community together at a Rechargery? Become a Station Hand

See you at the station.

We’re proud to introduce the first-ever IONNA Beacon, a flagship destination that redefines what it means to recharge. This is more than just a charging pit stop. It’s a thoughtfully designed space where travelers, families, and communities can come together — a place to rest, reset, and reconnect before the next stretch of the journey.

What is a Beacon?

An IONNA Beacon represents the next evolution in the IONNA network. It’s a signature site built to showcase the best of what electric vehicle charging can be, blending innovative design with genuine comfort and community connection.

It’s a place that feels welcoming and human, where every detail from the architecture to the amenities serves a purpose: to make your experience effortless.

What makes a Beacon special

The IONNA Beacon is designed with drivers in mind, offering a full range of features and amenities that make every visit feel seamless and considered.

Here’s what you can expect:

• 20 or more ultra-fast charging bays, allowing multiple vehicles to juice up, all at once
• A canopy covering all stalls, providing protection from the elements and ensuring comfort in any weather
• Trash bins, so your vehicle can feel as refreshed as you do when you get back on the road
• Pet waste stations and outdoor seating areas, designed for travelers with furry companions
• Restrooms, clean, accessible, and available for all visitors
• An interior lounge space, where you can relax, work, or simply take a moment away from the road
• Retail offerings, featuring a mix of essentials and locally inspired products
• Landscaped outdoor areas that bring greenery and balance to the experience
• Dedicated outdoor activity spaces, offering a place to stretch, move, and recharge
• Localized artwork, created by regional artists to celebrate the character and creativity of the surrounding community
• Warm, intentional lighting and outdoor pergolas, creating a sense of safety, comfort, and calm whether you visit by day or night

Every element of the Beacon has been chosen to serve a purpose.

Lighting the way forward

The first IONNA Beacon marks a new chapter in our mission to make electric travel fast, reliable and comfortable.

The road ahead is electric, and the IONNA Beacon is here to guide the way.

As Labor Day weekend approaches and the smell of sunscreen slowly gives way to campfires and crisp air, we’re looking back on this special season. It’s officially a wrap on our very first real summer as IONNA.

This season marked a major milestone: our first full summer in operation. We’ve been charging up road trips, pit stops, and everything in between. Whether you were beach-bound, mountain-hopping, or just grabbing coffee on your way through town, we’re honored to have been part of your journey.

We built IONNA with drivers like you in mind. People who seek adventure, visit family, chase sunsets, and need charging to just work along the way. This summer, you showed up. You snapped photos, shared snacks, told stories, and brought us with you along the way.

From the very first fences-up announcement to our latest site opening, you’ve been our loudest cheerleaders...giving us the inspiration and energy to keep moving at IONNA Speed!

Thank you for including us in everything from your big plans to your small moments. For riding with us through a summer of firsts. And for plugging into a future we’re building together.

Here’s to more summers, more miles, and more memories ahead!