IKEA Canada has announced an expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The home furnishing retailer has added 25 charging stations at five locations in Ontario and Quebec, thanks in part to funding of $300,000 from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) in 2022, along with an additional investment of over $305,000 from IKEA’s own funds.
The expansion of the EV charging network supports IKEA’s goal to achieve 100% zero-emission home deliveries by 2025 and reduce co-worker and customer emissions by 50% by 2030. Currently, IKEA has EV charging stations at 14 stores across Canada.
Crystal Rasa, Head of Fulfilment Sourcing, IKEA Canada, stated, “Through the ZEVIP program, we were able to accelerate our investment in the long-term future of our business, our fulfillment network, and our partnerships with transport service providers which use zero-emission delivery vehicles. As a business whose operations have a direct effect on people’s lives and the environment, and which can contribute to a positive change, we are taking responsibility. Our ambition is to not only move IKEA forward but to inspire and drive change for our communities and society.”
The successful installation of four commercial EV charging stations at the IKEA Ottawa store has marked a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to reduce its climate footprint. GoBolt, the last-mile delivery partner, has begun using two EV delivery trucks for home deliveries in Ottawa thanks to the charging stations. A similar move was made in the fall of 2022 at the IKEA Coquitlam, BC store, where IKEA and another last-mile delivery partner, Metro Supply Chain, installed a mobile EV charging center, enabling the operation of three EV delivery trucks in the region.
Helene Loberg, Country Sustainability Manager, IKEA Canada, stated, “At IKEA Canada, we have a simple yet powerful vision to create a better everyday life for the many people. As Canada’s largest home furnishing retailer, we believe it’s our responsibility to have a positive impact on people and the planet, and that we are big enough to make a difference. While we integrate sustainability into our everyday, we want to show Canadians that living a sustainable life can be affordable – and easy.”
