MUMBAI, 14th April 2025
IKEA Supply, a division of the Inter IKEA Group, and its logistics partner BLR Logistiks have completed the 100th journey of their electric truck, which runs between the Mumbai port and the distribution center (DC) in Pune, as well as the IKEA store in Mumbai.
IKEA India claims that the introduction of electric trucks has resulted in a 16% annual cost reduction, as well as a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, saving 206 tons per year on this specific route.
However, the electrification of electric vehicles (EVs) in India faces significant challenges, as EV trucks are approximately 7 to 10 times more expensive than traditional diesel trucks. Logistics partners must also invest heavily in charging infrastructure and route optimization to make the best use of these assets.
IKEA representatives have stated that the introduction of electric trucks has reduced the turnaround time from two days to one. Previously, the 120-kilometer route, which included three stops, was serviced by two conventional trucks: one transporting goods from the port to the DC and the other from the DC to the IKEA store in Mumbai. The new heavy-duty electric truck now operates along the entire route.
To facilitate this improvement, IKEA has optimized processes with Indian customs to speed up container handling and established new agreements between the ocean service provider responsible for transporting containers to the port and the land carrier managing the route. The land carrier has also invested in the charging infrastructure required to support this deployment.
