IKEA UK has announced it is investing £4.5 million in nationwide EV charging infrastructure as part of the retailer’s aim to reach 100% zero emissions deliveries by 2025.
This will be one of the biggest EV charging infrastructure projects for last mile fleets in the UK and will see IKEA install 196 chargers, of which 53 will be rapid, providing full charge on vehicles in under an hour.
The chargers will be located at IKEA stores across the country, as well as the new Dartford customer distribution centre due to open in spring 2023, with the first ones fitted and operational in IKEA Cardiff.
Mer, the European charging company owned by Statkraft, will be responsible for the end-to-end implementation and ongoing management and maintenance.
Jakob Bertilsson, Country Customer Fulfilment Manager at IKEA UK & Ireland, said, “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at IKEA, and we are always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet while supporting our customers to live more sustainable lives at home.
“Investing in this infrastructure of nationwide charging points is a fundamental step in our ambition to reach 100% zero emissions customer deliveries from all IKEA stores and distribution centres by 2025, as well as supporting our ambition to become a climate positive business by 2030.”
Natasha Fry, Head of Sales at Mer UK said, “IKEA is an iconic brand with a recognised commitment to sustainability. When they needed future-proof charge points for their zero-emission, last-mile fleet, they wanted to work with a partner who shares these ambitions.
“We look forward to supporting the IKEA team and, importantly, its customers in making sure last-mile deliveries are efficient and emission free.”
