In a significant step toward sustainable logistics, IKEA Supply has launched India’s first electric heavy-duty truck on public roads. The company collaborated with BLR Logistiks to bring this eco-friendly innovation to life, marking a new era for green transportation. This initiative aligns with IKEA’s global sustainability goals, which prioritize a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions across all supply chain operations.
From Concept to Reality: An Ambitious Rollout
IKEA deployed the electric truck in October 2024 to serve a crucial 120-kilometer route in Maharashtra. The truck runs between Mumbai Port, IKEA’s Pune distribution center, and the company’s Mumbai retail store. Previously, this route required two diesel trucks, but IKEA now manages deliveries more efficiently with just one electric vehicle. As a result, the shift demonstrates not only environmental awareness but also strong operational efficiency across the supply chain.
Operational Gains Strengthen IKEA’s Green Strategy
By using one electric truck, IKEA reduced its delivery turnaround time from two days to just one. Moreover, the company reported a 16% drop in annual transportation costs, adding a financial edge to its sustainable logistics strategy. Additionally, IKEA minimized idle time during loading and unloading, streamlining daily operations across its warehousing and transport network. Even more importantly, the company eliminated approximately 160,000 kilometers of empty runs annually by optimizing trip planning and truck capacity.
Massive Environmental Benefits with Every Trip
With this shift to electric mobility, IKEA projects a 30% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions on the Mumbai–Pune logistics route. This reduction translates to nearly 206 tons of carbon dioxide saved each year, highlighting the truck’s strong environmental impact. By investing in long-term sustainability, IKEA positions itself as a responsible leader in India’s logistics transformation journey. The company also upgraded its internal customs processes and restructured agreements with logistics partners to support seamless electric truck operations.
BLR Logistiks Backs the Vision with Charging Infrastructure
For smooth truck operations, BLR Logistiks built dedicated electric vehicle charging infrastructure along the designated route. This investment reflects the company’s commitment to clean energy and collaborative innovation with global sustainability leaders like IKEA. As the electric vehicle completes over 100 successful trips, both partners continue to track performance, optimize loads, and share learnings. Together, they hope to inspire broader adoption of clean trucking across India’s complex logistics ecosystem.
Driving Toward 2040: IKEA’s Emission-Free Goal
IKEA’s long-term vision aims to transition completely to zero-emission heavy-duty trucks by 2040. Furthermore, the company plans to reduce carbon emissions per shipment by 70% before 2030, well ahead of most industry benchmarks. This electric truck deployment plays a key role in that roadmap, acting as a pilot for future clean mobility solutions. Through proactive investment and collaboration, IKEA signals that sustainable transformation in logistics is both urgent and achievable.
A Roadmap for the Industry to Follow
By launching India’s first electric heavy-duty truck for public roads, IKEA has set a powerful precedent for the logistics industry. Its results show that sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand when companies embrace innovation with a clear long-term commitment. With electric trucks proving their value, other logistics firms may now feel encouraged to rethink traditional diesel-dependent distribution models. This move by IKEA and BLR Logistiks signals that green logistics is no longer a concept—it is the future already unfolding.
