IKEA customers in Sydney now have the chance to get their packages delivered by electric tuk tuks, as part of a trial for zero emission customer delivery in metro areas.
From Tuesday 16 May, the three-month trial will see parcels delivered by two electric tuk tuks within a 10km radius of IKEA Tempe.
The trial marks a significant step towards the IKEA global ambition to provide all its customers with zero-emission deliveries by 2025 and as an Australian first, it will mark the first time Aussies will see electric Tuk Tuks driving on Australian roads.
The three-wheeled tuk tuks are both powered by a 9kWh swappable battery and are fittingly named Tük-se and Tack-se, with ‘tack’ meaning ‘thanks’ in Swedish.
Tiffany Mosura-Lesnock, Manager for IKEA Tempe, says: “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.
“IKEA Tempe is thrilled to be the first to debute the new electric tuk tuks delivery service, and we know our customers will love spotting the tuk tuks on the streets of Sydney or perhaps turning up at their front door!”
IKEA has been trialling various innovative zero emissions vehicles across the globe, including electric rickshaws in India, cargo bikes in Madrid, solar bikes in London, barges down the Seine in Paris, and now electric tuk tuks in Australia.
The introduction of electric tuk tuks in Australia presents a unique opportunity to reduce traffic emissions and air pollution, while cutting back on the number of vans and trucks on busy city streets.
The trial is facilitated in partnership with IKEA Australia’s transport service provider ANC Delivers.
Mo Abbas, Group Executive Strategy & Marketing for ANC Delivers, says: “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.
“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.”
