IKEA Tests New Electric Vehicle Prototypes

As part of its zero emission commitment, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group) has completed two rounds of tests of new electric vehicle (EV) prototypes for last mile delivery. By 2025, the company aims for 100% of home deliveries to customers to be done by electric vehicles (EV) or other zero-emission solutions in all its 30 countries. 

IKEA Retail (Ingka Group) has completed testing of two separate electric prototype vehicles in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) Renault and MAN. The tests, conducted in Paris and Berlin, are part of a wide range of efforts the company is undertaking together with service partners and manufacturers to meet its 100% zero emission goal (100% electric last mile deliveries in all countries) by 2025.   
 
EV delivery is not new. However, the existing electric last mile solutions on the market are not optimized for the needs of the furniture retailer as parcel sizes require larger vehicle dimensions.  
 
“In order to meet our zero emission goals, we needed to find a way around the existing conditions and look for partners willing to work with us to develop new prototypes and test in a city environment,” comments Raphael Guillard, Customer Fulfilment Strategic Sourcing Leader at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group).  
 
The tests have been done with up to 20m3 box body trucks that enables the company to load its orders with full carton pallets specific to IKEA. This way of working means faster loading as well as minimising the number of vehicles on the streets by fully utilising the space of each truck.  Finally, the new prototypes have the range to reach most of IKEA city customers from its stores and logistics units.  

Ingka Group is working to help bring forth change in the zero emission last mile sphere by influencing different aspects of the journey – from charging infrastructure and governmental regulations to the actual development of suitable vehicles. Together with key manufacturers, the retailer is opening up for the wider industry so that the customer can demand more sustainable deliveries in the future.  
 
“The right type and supply of EVs for last mile delivery was not available. The test with Renault and MAN gave us a real option where the reality meets our expectations. We need vehicles with optimized use of the truck capacity, to not only secure cost, but also to avoid further traffic congestion in major cities,” continues Raphael Guillard. Ingka Group is committed to tackling climate action and reducing carbon emission across its value chain. By offering sustainable home deliveries and encouraging uptake of electric vehicles or zero emission options among customers, the company can contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy and act as a good neighbour.  

Source : IKEA

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.