From The Drive · Joel Feder · · 1m
EV Charging Speed Not Critical for EV Adoption
Ionna CEO says EVs don’t need five-minute charging like gas.
In brief
Ionna CEO says EVs don’t need five-minute charging like gas. Ionna CEO Seth Cutler states EVs can be adopted without five-minute charging speeds, citing 6% of July cars sold as EVs with current infrastructure. Originally reported by The Drive.
EV Charging Myth
The idea that EVs won’t work until they charge in five minutes like gas is not accurate.
“This idea that charging has to be done in five minutes or people won’t buy EVs is just not accurate.”
Current Gas Station Behavior
People spend time at gas stations like Wawa, Sheetz, Casey’s, Buc-ee’s, and Wally’s instead of rushing to fill up.
“Nobody stops to fuel their vehicle taking gasoline, gets out, rushes as fast as possible, puts as much fuel in the car as possible, and gets back in the car and drives away.”
EV Adoption Data
6% of all cars sold in July were EVs with existing infrastructure and technology.
“The proof is in the pudding in that 6% of all cars sold in July were still EVs with the existing current infrastructure set and technology set on the cars.”
Future Charging Speeds
Ionna plans 500-kW stations, but 10-20 minutes for a quick charge is achievable with current 800-volt systems.
“You’re looking at how do you get to a place of 10 to 20 minutes from the charging speed, which gives you enough time to use a bathroom, get a sandwich, stretch your legs, take the dog for a walk, versus "I’m going to jump out of the car and make believe it’s Supermarket Sweepstakes and see how fast I can fuel up and drive away."”
Current EV Charging
Ionna stations use 400-kW charging, and 2026 Volvo EX90, Lucid Gravity, and Hyundai Ioniqs recharge 10-80% in 20 minutes.
“Vehicles with 800-plus-volt electrical systems like the 2026 Volvo EX90, Lucid Gravity, and Hyundai Ioniqs can all recharge from 10-80% in about 20 or less minutes.”
US Charging Needs
Ionna CEO says charging speeds above 500-kW are unnecessary for US EV adoption.
“Much above that, I don’t think you need it. I just don’t.”
The short version
Ionna CEO Seth Cutler states EVs can be adopted without five-minute charging speeds, citing 6% of July cars sold as EVs with current infrastructure.
