Ikea has committed to a £4.5 million investment in a partnership with Mer to install almost 200 charging stations at its stores across the UK and Ireland. The charging stations will cater to Ikea’s growing electric vehicle (EV) fleet and will increase its global network. The project, which is one of the region’s largest EV charging infrastructure initiatives for last-mile fleet services, will be managed and maintained by Mer.
Ikea has announced its ambition to have over 500 charging points by 2025, as part of its target to achieve 100% zero-emissions deliveries from all of its stores and distribution centres to customers by 2025. Jakob Bertilsson, Country Customer Fulfilment Manager at Ikea UK & Ireland, stated that the project is a fundamental step towards becoming a fully circular business by 2030.
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The charging stations will be located at Ikea stores and across the country, with the first ones fitted at Ikea Cardiff this month. Although they will not be available to customers, electric vehicles used by Ikea and its partners for home deliveries across the UK and Ireland may use them.
This initiative follows Ikea’s recent investment in 23 new zero-emission Maxus eDeliver 9 vans for all its stores in the UK and Ireland. Ikea is aiming to have 60% of its deliveries in the region powered by electric vehicles by the summer of 2023 and all deliveries from 2025. This aligns with the global targets set by the home furnishing retailer through initiatives such as the EV100+ pledge to decarbonise its operations worldwide.
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Natasha Fry, Head of Sales at Mer UK, said that Ikea recognised the need for an EV charging expert to guide them through the complexities of a project of this size. Mer will be responsible for implementing, managing, and maintaining the charging stations.
In addition to the UK and Ireland, Ikea has announced the expansion of its charging network in Canada. The move highlights Ikea’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
