IKEA Deploys First Heavy-Duty Electric Truck on Indian Public Roads

Key Highlights:

• IKEA rolled out its first heavy-duty electric truck for operations in India.
• The truck transports goods between Mumbai Port, the Pune distribution center, and the Mumbai store.
• The electric truck reduced turnaround time from two days to one and cut transport costs by 16%.
• Greenhouse gas emissions for the route dropped by 30%.
• IKEA plans to use only zero-emission trucks by 2040.

IKEA Supply, a part of the Inter IKEA Group, has introduced its first heavy-duty electric truck for public road operations in India. In collaboration with logistics partner BLR Logistiks, the truck began its operations in October 2024, completing 100 trips between the Mumbai port, IKEA's distribution center in Pune, and its retail store in Mumbai.

Improved Efficiency and Reduced Emissions

The company states that this move is a step toward reducing carbon emissions in its transportation operations and improving logistics efficiency. However, electric trucks usually have a higher upfront cost than diesel vehicles. IKEA believes the shift brings long-term cost savings and better operations. These benefits include faster delivery times, lower yearly transport costs, and less idle time during loading and unloading.

Transition from Diesel to Electric

Previously, two conventional diesel trucks were used for the 120-kilometer route, which includes three stops. Now, a single electric truck handles the entire journey. To support this transition, IKEA has streamlined customs procedures for quicker container processing and revised agreements with transport providers. BLR Logistiks has also invested in the necessary charging infrastructure to keep the truck running smoothly.

According to the company’s data, the new electric truck has reduced the turnaround time for the route from two days to just one. Annual transport costs for this route have decreased by 16%. IKEA also estimates a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on this route, which equals about 206 tons per year. Additionally, the number of empty runs has dropped by around 160,000 kilometers annually.

Electric Trucks in India: A Cleaner, More Efficient Option

Electric trucks are a cleaner alternative to diesel vehicles. They help in reducing emissions and fuel use. These trucks are more energy-efficient and have fewer parts, which means lower maintenance costs. Although they cost more upfront, the savings in fuel and maintenance over time make electric trucks a good choice for businesses looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact.

IKEA’s Sustainability Goals

IKEA aims to cut its transport-related emissions, which account for about five percent of its total carbon footprint. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions from each transport by 70% by 2030, with the target to use only zero-emission heavy-duty trucks by 2040.

Leadership Insights

“This deployment has helped us improve efficiency while also reducing emissions. We're encouraged by the results and will look at applying similar methods to other routes,” said Abhishek Goyal, Director at BLR Logistiks.

Also Read: EKA Mobility Partners with IKEA for Electric Delivery Vans in India

CMV360 Says

This initiative is part of IKEA’s global efforts to make its supply chain more sustainable and reduce its environmental impact. While the shift to electric trucks reduces emissions and operational costs over time, the upfront investment remains high. The success of this pilot project may encourage other companies to follow this path, but the broader adoption of electric heavy-duty trucks in India will depend on factors like charging infrastructure, battery life, and long-term maintenance costs.