IKEA customers in Sydney can get their packages delivered by electric tuk tuks, as part of a trial for zero emissions customer delivery in metro areas.
The three-month trial sees parcels delivered by two electric tuk tuks within a 10km radius of IKEA Tempe. It marks a significant step towards the IKEA global ambition to provide customers with zero emission deliveries by 2025 and marks the first time Australians will see electric tuk tuks driving on roads.
IKEA Tempe manager, Tiffany Mosura-Lesnock said, “Electric vehicles are shaping the future of delivery around the globe, and we’re proud that IKEA is leading the way. Working closely with our transport partner ANC Delivers, we are excited to trial and test innovative methods that help get us closer to our goal of 100% zero emission deliveries.
“We know that the congested roads of metro Sydney will benefit enormously from the introduction of electric tuk tuks in our delivery fleet, and we also hope it will inspire and drive positive change for the whole industry to meet the needs of people today without compromising the planet and needs of future generations.”
The trial is facilitated in partnership with IKEA Australia’s transport service provider, ANC Delivers, with group executive for strategy and marketing, Mo Abbas saying ANC has a history of innovating to meet and exceed evolving consumer needs.
“We have a bias towards action rather than waiting for incentives to increase viability of greener fleet. With more people living in medium or high-density housing and 8.1% of households in capital cities not owning a vehicle, we face new delivery, emissions, and urban mobility challenges in an environment where consumers are looking for more sustainable options,” he said.
“We are proud to be piloting this Australian first micro-mobility initiative with two new electrified tuk-tuks in partnership with IKEA, onboard as an early adopter.”
Suburbs included in the trial stretch from Sydney airport to the eastern suburbs including Bondi and Vaucluse, to Ashfield in the inner west and Mortdale in the south-west.
The electric tuk tuks can hold up to 500kg and will be delivering smaller home furnishing products, like IKEA’s market hall range, in addition to compact furniture items under 40kg, such as chairs and coffee tables.
IKEA has been trialing various zero emissions vehicles across the globe, including electric rickshaws in India, cargo bikes in Madrid, solar bikes in London, and barges down the Seine in Paris.