EV charging stations are a hot topic in the USA right now, following the White House's announcement that $7.5 billion will be spent on EV charging stations as part of the 1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill.

Across the pond, they do things a bit differently. The most extensive network of charging stations belongs to Ionity. It's essentially a joint venture between various manufacturers to create a fast-charging network along major highways in Europe. Manufacturers involved include BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche.

Ionity recently announced its expansion plans. By 2025 the number of its charging sites will go up from the current 400 to more than 1,000. The result will be nearly 7,000 charging points scattered throughout Europe.

Ionity is also moving away from only providing charging services on significant highways. The next round of charging stations will be built near major cities and along busy main roads in cities. These locations will have between six to 12 charging points. Existing points that have proven to be popular will also be upgraded with additional charging points.

Ionity makes use of the Combined Charging System, which is the European charging standard. It can be used by all the EV vehicles produced by the manufacturers mentioned above and more. Think of it as Tesla's expanding network, which will be opened up to other manufacturers in due course. Tesla is currently running a pilot program in the Netherlands, granting permission to Volkswagen ID.3. owners to use its network.

The best news regarding Ionity's upgrade is the 800-volt technology. For Porsche, it means a Taycan customer can use the full 270 kW charging potential. It will likely increase Porsche Taycan sales in Europe. In the USA, the Taycan is already the most popular Porsche that isn't an SUV.

The Taycan can get from 5% to 80% in around 22 minutes using the available fast-charging. Still not as quick as pumping gas, but getting closer than ever before. As a bonus, Taycan owners get charged a standardized and discounted price, currently 0.33 Euros per kilowatt-hour. That's roughly 37 cents per kilowatt-hour.

"We are seeing a clear increase in electromobility and the associated high-performance charging infrastructure. At Porsche, 50% of the cars delivered worldwide by 2025 are expected to be partially or fully electric - more than 80% by the end of the decade. By investing in the Ionity joint venture, we are sending an important signal to customers that elevates the comfort and convenience of traveling in an electric vehicle even further," says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche.