Bolingbrook, Ill. — This initiative represents the 13th such U.S. project for IKEA, with installation underway at other locations.
Bolingbrook, Ill. — IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, has officially plugged in four Blink® electric vehicle charging stations at one of its Chicago-area stores as part of its partnership with Car Charging Group, Inc., the new owner of the Blink Network and Blink charging stations, and the largest provider of EV charging services with more than 13,750 charging points in 35 states and three countries. To charge an EV at IKEA Bolingbrook, drivers pull into a designated parking spot, tap their Blink InCard (RFID card) to the reader below the screen, plug the charger into the EV, and then shop and eat at their leisure in the IKEA store while the vehicle is charging.
This initiative represents the 13th such U.S. project for IKEA, with installation underway at other locations. In all, installation of units currently planned will bring the number of Blink charging stations available at IKEA locations to 54.
“Installing electric vehicle charging stations at IKEA Bolingbrook reinforces our commitment to sustainability,” says Christof Stein, store manager. “Being a sustainable retailer includes a focus on the sustainable transport of people. So, accommodating the needs of EV drivers — with support from CarCharging and ComEd — meets both goals.”
IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and aims to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; incorporating energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms. Operationally, IKEA eliminated plastic bags from the checkout process, phased out the sale of incandescent bulbs, and by 2016 will sell only LED. IKEA also is installing electric vehicle charging stations at 17 locations in the U.S.
The 310,000-square-foot IKEA Bolingbrook opened in September 2005. IKEA completed installation of a solar energy system atop the store in 2012.
Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA currently has more than 340 stores in 43 countries, including 38 in the U.S. For more information, visit IKEA-USA.com.
SOURCE: IKEA