IKEA India Goes Fully Electric for Deliveries in Key Cities

Key Highlights:

• IKEA India now delivers 100% of orders using electric vehicles in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune.
• The company is testing same-day delivery in Hyderabad and plans to expand it nationwide.
• IKEA aims for 100% EV deliveries across all operations by 2025.
• Local partnerships with manufacturers support IKEA's EV network and contribute to job creation.
• IKEA has installed EV charging stations at all its large-format stores in India.

IKEA India has reached an important turning point by shifting to 100% electric vehicle (EV) deliveries in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune, with Mumbai operations set to follow soon. 

Same-Day Delivery Testing

The company intends to take an EV-first approach in all new areas, including Delhi NCR. IKEA is also testing same-day delivery in Hyderabad, with hopes of spreading the service to all markets within the next year.

This result is consistent with IKEA India's commitment to sustainability, according to IKEA. The organization has gone from early EV exploration in 2019 to 28% green delivery by 2023 and an 88% EV adoption rate now. The corporation stated that these initiatives are aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting climate control.

To support its network transition, IKEA has collaborated with local original equipment manufacturers, small and medium-sized businesses, and startups, to provide new mobility solutions. This collaboration boosts the local economy, creates jobs, and empowers small businesses.

Susanne Pulverer, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA India, stressed the significance of a sustainable value chain in the company's growth strategy. She expressed delight in managing the EV program since the company's inception in India.

IKEA India's journey to zero-emission deliveries began in 2019 with the addition of electric vehicles to its fleet, starting with three-wheeler tuk-tuks for smaller deliveries. Later, the company retrofitted trucks for larger furniture delivery and built its own charging system.

Saiba Suri, Country Customer Fulfilment Manager at IKEA India, explained that the company's focus to sustainable logistics goes beyond EV adoption. It focuses on developing efficient infrastructure, skill-building activities, and generating future opportunities across the value chain.

As part of its decarbonization efforts, IKEA is extending charging stations for large EVs in India and has established EV charging stations for delivery vans, customers, and workers in all of its large-format stores. 

The company's EV fleet, which is outfitted with modern Telematics technology, can carry loads ranging from 680kg to 1700kg.

IKEA plans to achieve 100% electric vehicle deliveries across all of its operations by 2025, with an emphasis on large-scale EV fleet development, continual innovation, and government partnership.

This program is part of IKEA's global ambition of becoming climate positive, reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

IKEA's sustainable transportation practices extend beyond its activities in India, demonstrating a global effort to reduce environmental impact. IKEA has implemented EV solutions in a variety of locations, tailoring them to local conditions and infrastructure.

In Europe, IKEA has made tremendous progress toward electrifying its delivery fleet. For example, in the Netherlands, the firm completed 100% electric home deliveries in Amsterdam as early as 2018.

This idea has since spread to other major cities throughout Europe. In the United Kingdom, IKEA teamed with Renault to offer custom-designed electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries in London, with the goal of electrifying the entire UK and Ireland delivery fleet by 2025.

Also Read: Daimler India Opens New Mechatronics Lab at Oragadam Facility

CMV360 Says

IKEA India's switch to fully electric deliveries in major cities is a great move towards a greener future. It proves that businesses can be environmentally responsible while still growing and keeping customers happy. 

The company's efforts not only benefit the planet but also support local businesses and create jobs. This sets an example for others to follow on the path to a more sustainable world.