IKEA announced that the partnership is focused on cutting carbon emissions and establishing new benchmarks for the industry. They have launched an initial fleet of 10 vans, with intentions to expand throughout India in line with their worldwide sustainability objectives.
EKA Mobility, a manufacturer specializing in electric vehicles, has recently established a strategic partnership with IKEA to supply the multinational retailer with electric delivery vans aimed at enhancing its last-mile delivery operations in India. This collaboration is bolstered by EKA Mobility’s significant backing from international equity partners, including Mitsui & Co., Ltd. of Japan and VDL Groep from the Netherlands.
The initiative kicked off with EKA Mobility delivering an initial batch of 10 electric vans to IKEA, marking the start of a planned expansion of this eco-friendly fleet throughout various Indian regions. These electric vehicles are anticipated to play a crucial role in diminishing the carbon footprint associated with IKEA’s logistical activities, particularly suited for urban delivery scenarios with their advanced battery technology. The partnership is designed to serve as a pioneering model for integrating electric mobility within the retail industry’s logistics.
Rohit Srivastava, the Chief Growth Officer at EKA Mobility, emphasized the significance of their alliance with IKEA as a milestone in their ongoing endeavour to champion sustainable electric mobility solutions tailored for urban logistics. He affirmed a strong commitment to continuous cooperation with IKEA to further these objectives.
On the other hand, Saiba Suri, the Country Customer Fulfilment Manager at IKEA India, elaborated on IKEA’s strategy towards achieving sustainable logistics. This strategy encompasses the development of robust infrastructure, enhancement of skills, and generation of new opportunities across the logistics value chain. Suri highlighted IKEA’s proactive stance in adopting an EV-first policy in new markets and its dedication to investing in innovative, long-term solutions that support sustainability.
