South Raleigh News

IONNA, LLC, an electric vehicle charging station developer, will create more than 200 jobs in Durham County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest over $10 million to establish its global headquarters in the City of Durham.

“IONNA’s decision to make Durham County its home validates our global reputation for the Electric Vehicle industry,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “This cutting-edge company and its founding automotive manufacturers will benefit from the innovative ecosystem, highly skilled workforce, and central location of North Carolina to take its pioneering technology to market.”

A new company founded by seven leading automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)—BMW Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis—IONNA will design, develop, build, and operate a high-powered EV charging station network open to electric vehicles of all brands. In addition to corporate functions, IONNA’s new facility will include a customer experience lab for research and development of software and hardware for over 30,000 EV charging points.

“Our new headquarters will bring synergistic opportunities and collaboration,” said Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA. “Accelerating deployment and innovation within IONNA while contributing positively to the Durham and Triangle area community paves the way for a prosperous future together.”

“We are delighted to have IONNA join our growing EV supply chain,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “When advanced manufacturers commit to North Carolina, it confirms the importance of our ‘First in Talent’ plan which leads the charge in prioritizing the development of a diverse and well-trained workforce to help companies blaze new trails.”

Although salaries will vary by position, the average annual wage is $128,457—exceeding Durham County’s average of $90,727. These new jobs could create a potential payroll impact exceeding $20 million annually for the region.

IONNA’s operation in North Carolina will be facilitated partly by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over 12 years, this project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $724 million. Using a formula that considers new tax revenues generated by 203 new jobs created by IONNA's investment targets met under JDIG agreement authorizes potential reimbursement up to $3.075 million spread over 12 years.

The project’s projected return on investment is 108 percent; meaning for every dollar spent by the state there is an expected return of $2.08 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue even after considering grant reimbursements.

Additionally as part of IONNA's JDIG agreement up to $1.025 million could be moved into a fund helping rural communities across North Carolina attract business via Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account used for public infrastructure projects improving local economic conditions.

“We welcome IONNA and its high-paying jobs to the Triangle region,” said N.C. Senator Natalie S. Murdock. “With three Tier 1 research institutions and a top-producing community college system we have a well-educated talent pipeline ready to support this promising future.”

“This is an outstanding win for Durham County,” said N.C Representative Zack Hawkins adding that "IONNA is great addition entrepreneurial spirit known here grateful strong collaboration among leaders bringing this project community connecting amazing business deep pool diverse talent."

Partnering with North Carolina Department Commerce Economic Development Partnership were General Assembly Community College System Duke University State University Duke Energy Durham County Greater Chamber Commerce.

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