Can public EV chargers be as reliable as gas stations?

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribeAs the U.S. EV market slows and federal charging support recedes, IONNA, a fast-charging network backed by eight major automakers, is still expanding. On Volts, CEO Seth Cutler makes the case that public charging is entering a new phase focused on reliability and customer experience, but the economics remain difficult, with low utilization and demand charges squeezing margins. With roughly 1,300 bays live and a target of 30,000, IONNA is testing whether a multi-brand network can offer a Tesla-like charging experience while building a sustainable business.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction: can public EV charging be as reliable as a gas station?02:30 – Public charging’s four phases, and IONNA’s phase-four bet08:17 – IONNA’s origin story09:55 – Scale, footprint & site strategy11:52 – Rechargery @ vs. freestanding: the two site formats18:45 – Can DC fast charging make money? Unit economics21:29 – Demand charges & why fast charging is expensive23:57 – Getting power: permitting, interconnection & utilities29:18 – Site design, amenities & the monetization question34:14 – Regional site customization: the gas station turned bakery36:35 – The charging experience: apps & Plug&Charge39:03 – Reliability strategy & metrics42:47 – Headwinds: the EV market downturn & policy risk46:54 – Business model, profitability & the IONITY comparison50:09 – Geographic rollout: the chicken-and-egg problem54:07 – Competitive position vs. Tesla56:37 – Closing: vision, fears & timeline