IKEA Introduces First Heavy-Duty Electric Truck on Public Roads in India

IKEA Supply, part of the Inter IKEA Group, has rolled out its first heavy-duty electric truck for public road operations in India. The truck, operated in partnership with logistics firm BLR Logistiks, began service in October 2024 and has since completed 100 trips transporting goods between the Mumbai port, IKEA’s distribution centre in Pune, and its retail store in Mumbai.

According to the company, this initiative marks a step toward reducing carbon emissions in its transport operations while improving logistical efficiency. Though electric trucks generally have a higher purchase cost compared to diesel vehicles, IKEA says the transition has led to long-term cost benefits and operational improvements. These include shorter delivery turnaround times, lower annual transport costs, and reduced idle time during loading and unloading.

Operational data shared by the company indicates that the new electric truck has cut the turnaround time for the route from two days to one. Annual transport costs for this route have reportedly been reduced by 16 percent. IKEA also estimates that greenhouse gas emissions for this specific route have dropped by 30 percent, equating to roughly 206 tons per year. In addition, the number of empty runs has declined by about 160,000 kilometres annually.

The 120-kilometre route, which includes three stops, was previously serviced by two conventional diesel trucks. With the introduction of the electric vehicle, a single truck now completes the entire journey. To support the shift, IKEA has streamlined customs procedures for faster container processing and revised agreements with its ocean and land transport providers. BLR Logistiks has also invested in the necessary charging infrastructure to facilitate the truck’s deployment.

“This deployment has helped us improve efficiency while also reducing emissions,” said Abhishek Goyal, Director at BLR Logistiks. “We’re encouraged by the results and will look at applying similar methods to other routes.”

Transport-related emissions account for approximately five percent of IKEA’s total carbon footprint. The company has set targets to reduce the carbon footprint from each transport by 70 percent on average by 2030 and to use only zero-emission heavy-duty trucks by 2040.

The deployment in India is part of IKEA’s broader efforts to make its global supply chain more sustainable. IKEA Supply AG, which oversees sourcing, production, and delivery operations globally, is a part of Inter IKEA Group.