From December 2013, all 18 IKEA stores will have installed electric vehicle rapid charging points in partnership with Nissan and green energy provider Ecotricity.

Developed by Nissan, the rapid charger units can recharge an electric vehicle from empty to 80% full in just 30 minutes. The charging points will be free for all customers to use with no charge for the 100% sustainably sourced green electricity from Ecotricity.

IKEA has long been renowned for its eco initiatives and electric vehicles are a key part of the group’s sustainability strategy to produce as much renewable energy as it consumes by 2020. IKEA UK has had hybrid vehicles as part of its delivery fleet for over six years and has a number of Nissan’s 100% electric LEAFs on loan whilst Nissan is working with IKEA stores across Europe to grow rapid charging infrastructure overseas. 

Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainability IKEA UK and Ireland, said: ‘At IKEA we believe Electric Vehicles have a significant part to play in a more sustainable future.  We know that our customers want to live more sustainably and that extends to how they get to and from our stores. By installing more charging points and strengthening the infrastructure nationally, we believe we can start to tackle one of the major barriers to using electric cars which is the fear of not finding a convenient place to charge the car.’

Customers can find out when the new rapid-chargers are available in a given car park by visiting www.ecotricty.co.uk.