IONNA and Sheetz team up to bring EV charging where the snacks are

There’s a fresh twist on fueling up as IONNA and Sheetz join forces to bring electric charging and convenience store cravings together under one buffet hood.

I grew up with a certain fondness for another popular chain, but I can admit that Sheetz has its own vibe (food). This new deal with IONNA might give it even more reasons to stand out. When I picture Sheetz, I think about quick bites and roadside comfort. The idea of rolling up in an EV, plugging in, and grabbing a hot meal or a bag of chips feels like a glimpse of how the road trip experience is changing. A few years ago, it would have seemed strange to talk about EV charging as casually as a morning coffee stop. Now it’s part of the routine, and tapping into the right partners makes that shift feel natural.

According to the press release, IONNA, a network backed by major automakers like BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis, and Toyota (gosh all of them…), are working with Sheetz to open more than 50 charging locations by the end of 2026 (1000 by 2028, hot dang). Three sites are already on track to open before this year wraps up—two in Ohio and one in Pennsylvania. These new “Rechargeries” will combine high-power charging stations with Sheetz’s red canopies, snacks, drinks, and the usual store comforts. The Sheetz team plans to keep expanding as they head toward 1,000 store locations by 2028, and this collaboration with IONNA promises a smoother charging experience along that growth path. Now will I be able to go 350 kW with some hot spicy fries?

It’s interesting that both companies seem focused on making EV drivers feel at home. IONNA CEO Seth Cutler emphasizes the driver’s experience, and Sheetz’s leadership calls this move “forward-thinking.” As someone who once worried about long charging waits, this kind of convenient setup might make the downtime more enjoyable. I imagine a road trip where stopping for power might also mean grabbing some wings or a sandwich, and maybe using decent Wi-Fi. Can you say tailgate? Of course, there’s always a downside: the more we eat in our cars, the messier those interiors might become…

This partnership reflects the shift happening right now. EVs are becoming more common, and it takes more than just chargers scattered around. It takes the right environment, a place that feels comfortable and normal. Sheetz has a chance to carve out its own space in this world, and IONNA brings the EV connections that help pull it all together. Wawa are you listening?