**Mumbai**: IKEA Supply, in partnership with BLR Logistiks, has unveiled India’s first heavy-duty electric truck, aiming to streamline logistics and reduce environmental impact. This initiative is set to cut transport turnaround times by half, marking a significant leap towards greener transportation practices.
MUMBAI: In a significant advancement within the logistics sector, IKEA Supply, part of the Inter IKEA Group, has introduced India’s first heavy-duty electric truck on public roads in collaboration with BLR Logistiks. This initiative, aimed at enhancing sustainability in transportation, makes its operational debut in October 2024.
The electric truck recently accomplished its 100th journey, efficiently transporting goods along a crucial route that spans 120 kilometres, connecting the port of Mumbai to IKEA’s distribution centre in Pune and subsequently to the IKEA retail store in Mumbai. The introduction of this electric vehicle is projected to reduce the logistics turnaround time from two days to just one, significantly improving operational efficiencies.
Mr. Claes Lindgren, Acting Category Transport Manager at IKEA Supply Chain Operations, remarked on the long-term advantages of transitioning to electric vehicles. He stated, “Despite the higher upfront investment in electric vehicles compared to diesel alternatives, we have achieved increased efficiency and long-term cost savings. This is a major step forward for IKEA and sends a strong message to the Indian transportation sector.” Lindgren also highlighted enhancements made possible through the collaboration with BLR Logistiks, such as route optimisation and minimised idle times during loading and unloading processes.
Previously, the transportation along this route required the use of two diesel-powered trucks: one for the journey between the port and the distribution centre, and another for the segment from the distribution centre to the retail outlet. The newly deployed electric truck now streamlines this process by serving the entire route, contributing to a more efficient logistics flow and a reduced carbon footprint.
To facilitate this innovative project, IKEA has made several enhancements in operational processes, particularly in working with Indian customs to expedite the handling of containers. Additionally, new agreements were forged between ocean freight providers and land transport carriers, with significant investments made to establish the necessary electric charging infrastructure to support the truck’s operations.
Mr. Abhishek Goyal, Director of BLR Logistiks, expressed a positive outlook regarding the potential of this initiative. “We are pleased with the progress made on this route and look forward to replicating this model in future operations. This deployment is a testament to how efficiency can be achieved while simultaneously lowering greenhouse gas emissions,” Goyal remarked.
This pioneering step by IKEA and BLR Logistiks signifies a noteworthy shift towards greener logistics practices in India, aligning with global trends of sustainability in transportation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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