Ikea has announced a £4.5m investment in nationwide electric charging infrastructure as part of its aim to reach 100% zero-emission deliveries by 2025.

Almost 200 chargers wil be deployed to charge EVs owned by Ikea, and those used by its delivery partners

The retailer is teaming up with Mer to provide charging points for electric delivery vehicles across the country.

Almost 200 chargers, including 53 rapids, will provide charging points for new electric vehicles owned by Ikea, and those used by its delivery partners, to support emission-free deliveries to customers. The chargers will be located at stores across the country, as well as the new Dartford customer distribution centre, with the first ones fitted and operational in Ikea Cardiff.

It’s one of the biggest EV charging infrastructure projects for last-mile fleets in the UK and Ireland, and fundamental to Ikea’s work to continue expanding its EV delivery fleet, with the ambition to reach over 500 by 2025.

The retailer also has an interim target to achieve 60% zero-emission deliveries in the UK and Ireland by summer 2023, demonstrating the significant steps being taken to accelerate moving towards the 2025 goal.

The infrastructure is being implemented in addition to the existing customer charging points in Ikea stores.

Jakob Bertilsson, country customer fulfilment manager at Ikea UK & Ireland, said: “Investing in this infrastructure of nationwide charging points is a fundamental step in our ambition to reach 100% zero emissions customer deliveries from all Ikea stores and distribution centres by 2025, as well as supporting our ambition to become a climate positive business by 2030.”

Transport Decarbonisation Minister Jesse Norman welcomed the news, saying: “This investment is the latest example of businesses and government working together to decarbonise all aspects of road transport, improve air quality and create healthier, buzzing communities.”

The new infrastructure will source energy entirely through renewable sources; Mer is owned by Statkraft, Europe’s biggest renewable energy producer. The charging specialist will also be responsible for the end-to-end implementation and ongoing management and maintenance.

Natasha Fry, head of sales at Mer UK, said: “Ikea is an iconic brand with a recognised commitment to sustainability. When they needed future-proof charge points for their zero-emission, last-mile fleet, they wanted to work with a partner who shares these ambitions. We look forward to supporting the IKEA team and, importantly, its customers in making sure last-mile deliveries are efficient and emission free.”