Al-Futtaim IKEA introduces electric truck in line with UAEs vision for a sustainable future
AbuDhabi(News Desk):: In alignment with the Paris Agreement and the UAE’s national policy, which supports the growing EV industry, Al-Futtaim IKEA, the region’s leading Swedish home furnishing retailer, today announced the launch of its new 8-tonne delivery electric truck equipped with advanced LFP battery technology.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in IKEAs commitment to sustainability and its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Given its extensive fleet of delivery vehicles, Al-Futtaim IKEA is dedicated to supporting the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s target of having EVs constitute 50% of total vehicles on UAE roads by 2050 by introducing EV trucks into its operations.
The new electric truck, which boasts a range of 250 kilometres on a full charge, hasnalready undergone successful testing. This initial launch will see the truck used for store replenishments, servicing routes from the main store in Yas Island to Al Wahda Mall and the new store in Dalma Mall.
Vinod Jayan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim IKEA UAE, Egypt, Oman and Qatar said:
At Al-Futtaim IKEA, we are deeply committed to creating a better everyday life for the many people. In todays world, this means transforming our business and value chain to drastically reduce our climate footprint. This commitment extends our responsibility to the planet. The launch of our 8-tonne electric truck is a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and achieving our sustainability goals. We are excited about thempotential impact of this initiative and look forward to expanding our fleet of zero-
emission vehicles in the near future.
The introduction of this electric truck is expected to prevent 29 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions produced by seven passenger cars driven for a year or the carbon absorbed by 477 seedlings grown for ten years. Powered by LFP battery technology, the truck ensures efficient energy use and a longer lifespan, contributing to a more sustainable logistics operation. By integrating more zero-
emission vehicles into its fleet, IKEA aims to contribute towards the decarbonization of the transport industry, setting an example for others to follow.
‘‘IKEAs initiative aligns with the UAEs strategic goals of promoting sustainable transport solutions and reducing carbon emissions. By introducing electric trucks into our fleet, we not only support the UAEs commitment to environmental sustainability but also demonstrate leadership in the regions transition towards a sustainable future. While we are starting with one truck, this marks the beginning of a significant shift in our operations,’’ he added.
Al-Futtaim IKEA recognizes its responsibility and opportunity to lead the way in reducing emissions and driving the transport industrys decarbonization. This launch is a testament to IKEAs ongoing efforts to fulfil this responsibility and make a positive impact on the environment.- End –