April 8th, 2025
IKEA has achieved a significant milestone in India’s green transportation sector by introducing the country’s first heavy-duty electric truck for commercial logistics operations on public roads. The electric vehicle, operated in partnership with BLR Logistiks, has been transporting goods between Mumbai port, IKEA’s Pune distribution center, and its Mumbai retail store since October 2024.
Transforming a Key Supply Route
The 120-kilometer route, which previously required two diesel trucks to service, now operates more efficiently with a single electric vehicle. This transformation has yielded impressive results after completing 100 trips in the initial phase of 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.”
Operational Improvements Beyond Emissions
While environmental benefits were a primary motivation, IKEA reports that the switch has delivered substantial operational advantages:
- Delivery turnaround time has been cut from two days to one
- Annual transport costs for this route have decreased by 16 percent
- Empty runs have been reduced by approximately 160,000 kilometers yearly
- Idle time during loading and unloading has significantly decreased
Environmental Impact
The electric truck has made a measurable difference in IKEA’s carbon footprint. The company estimates that greenhouse gas emissions on this specific route have dropped by 30 percent, equivalent to about 206 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Infrastructure and Logistics Adjustments
To support this transition, IKEA implemented several changes to its supply chain operations. The company streamlined customs procedures for faster container processing and revised agreements with ocean and land transport providers. Meanwhile, BLR Logistiks invested in charging infrastructure essential for the truck’s operation.
Part of a Global Sustainability Strategy
This initiative aligns with IKEA’s broader environmental goals. Transport-related emissions currently account for approximately five percent of the company’s total carbon footprint. IKEA aims to reduce the carbon footprint from each transport by 70 percent on average by 2030 and transition to zero-emission heavy-duty trucks by 2040.
The successful deployment in India demonstrates that electric heavy-duty vehicles can be both environmentally and economically viable in commercial logistics operations, potentially setting a precedent for other companies in the sector.
