Ikea, the world-renowned furniture retailer, has announced that it will be investing $5.58 million in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for its delivery vehicles. The move is part of the company’s wider sustainability efforts and commitment to becoming climate positive by 2030.
The investment will see the installation of 100 EV charging stations across 31 Ikea stores in the United States. The stations will be primarily used to charge Ikea’s fleet of electric delivery trucks, which are used to transport products from the retailer’s warehouses to its stores and customers.
In addition to providing charging infrastructure for its own vehicles, Ikea has also stated that the charging stations will be available for use by the general public. This move is in line with the company’s commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions.
“By investing in EV charging infrastructure, we are not only supporting our own electric delivery fleet but also helping to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation more broadly,” said Javier Quiñones, President and Chief Sustainability Officer for Ikea Retail U.S. “We want to make it easier for people to make sustainable choices, and providing access to EV charging stations is one way we can do that.”
Ikea’s investment in EV charging infrastructure comes at a time when the adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly increasing. According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales increased by 41% in 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The report also projected that EVs could make up 30% of all passenger vehicles on the road by 2030.
Ikea’s investment in EV charging infrastructure is part of a broader sustainability strategy that the company has been implementing in recent years. In 2018, the company announced its commitment to becoming climate positive by 2030, which means that it aims to reduce more greenhouse gas emissions than it emits by that date.
To achieve this goal, Ikea has been investing in renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, and improving the energy efficiency of its stores and warehouses. The company has also been working to reduce waste and promote sustainable materials in its products.
In addition to its sustainability efforts, Ikea has also been a vocal advocate for sustainability and climate action. The company has been involved in various sustainability initiatives and partnerships, including the RE100 initiative, which aims to have 100% of global electricity demand met with renewable energy.
Ikea’s investment in EV charging infrastructure for its delivery vehicles is a significant step towards achieving its sustainability goals. By providing access to EV charging stations, the company is not only supporting its own electric delivery fleet but also helping to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation more broadly.
The move also aligns with Ikea’s mission to make sustainable choices more accessible to people. By providing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, the company is making it easier for people to choose sustainable transportation options and reduce their carbon footprint.
Overall, Ikea’s investment in EV charging infrastructure is a positive step towards a more sustainable future. As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to grow, investments like this will be crucial in accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions.