Summary
– IKEA commits $4.5 million to build electric vehicle charging network
– Current infrastructure hinders charging for larger vehicles like trucks and vans
– JET Charge will build charging stations at 10 Australian IKEA stores and distribution center
– IKEA hopes to inspire other retailers to transition to electric transport
– More low-emission transport projects expected in the coming years after federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard passed.
Article
IKEA is investing $4.5 million in a charging network for electric vehicles to solve the common problem faced by delivery drivers and some customers who visit their stores. Currently, 40 per cent of IKEA deliveries are made using electric trucks, but a lack of charging infrastructure was proving to be a major hurdle as the trucks were unable to fit in standard passenger vehicle bays. The move follows commitments from other companies like Woolworths who are also pledging to lower emissions. The network built by JET Charge will include charging stations at IKEA’s 10 Australian retail locations as well as its Sydney distribution centre.
Larger electric vehicles, such as vans and trucks, are struggling to charge in traditional bays, as most charging stations aren’t designed to cater to larger vehicles. This poses a challenge for delivery drivers as well as EV motorists towing anything behind their car. Carola Jonas, CEO and Founder of Everty, a software platform for EV charging stations, emphasized the importance of charging station owners and operators paying close attention to this issue. IKEA’s initiative aims to address this problem by installing six electric vehicle chargers at each Australian IKEA store and 28 charging stations at its distribution centre in Sydney.
IKEA’s zero-emissions delivery lead, Alexandra Kelly, stated that the network would feature a mix of slower AC chargers and high-power DC chargers to accommodate different charging needs, including overnight and top-up recharging. She hopes that IKEA’s investment in electric transport infrastructure will motivate other retail chains to embrace an electric transport future. JET Charge chief executive Tim Washington anticipates seeing more low-emission transport announcements in the coming years, particularly in the retail sector where there is potential for significant progress.
The announcement of IKEA’s investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure comes at a time when the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard has passed the parliament. This standard, set to take effect from January next year, aims to set emissions limits on vehicles, signaling a larger shift towards reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport options. IKEA’s initiative is a step towards supporting the transition to electric vehicles and reducing the environmental impact of transportation. The company’s commitment to building a charging network for electric vehicles demonstrates a proactive approach to sustainability and sets an example for other retailers to follow suit.
Read the full article here