IKEA Canada to Plug In Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Nationwide
The charging stations will be installed at each of its 12 stores across Canada by the end of August, the company says. IKEA has partnered with Sun Country Highway on the project, which includes installing two SCH-60 “Level 2” 60-amp charge stations at each location. The rollout, set to be completed by late August of this year, is the first national installation of EV charging stations in Canada by a retailer at all of its locations.
The 60-amp rated SCH-60 charge station delivering 48 amps of continuous current and is compatible with all electric vehicles available on the market today. Sun Country Highway Ltd. is a Canadian-owned company responsible for electrifying the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, BC to St. John’s, NL, making it the longest electrified highway in the world. Sun Country Highway is the only charging infrastructure company to be endorsed by Telsa Motors, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer.
IKEA Canada stores are located close to major transportation corridors, and a typical visit to an IKEA store gives enough time for an EV driver to top-up their battery, enhancing their travel range and preventing “range anxiety.” Charging will be provided to customers at no cost, on a first come first serve basis.
“Installing electric vehicle charging stations at all IKEA Canada stores reinforces our commitment to sustainability,” says Stefan Sjostrand, President of IKEA Canada. “We are dedicated to addressing the global climate crisis and maximizing accessibility to our store locations, and we think this initiative is a step in the right direction on both fronts.”
As part of its commitment to sustainability, IKEA Canada has already invested in a 46 megawatt wind farm in Alberta, installed 4,000 solar panels on the roofs of three Ontario stores, and houses Manitoba’s largest geothermal installation. IKEA has also pledged globally to become energy independent by 2020.
Charging at home
Earlier this year IKEA announced that it had created a line of furniture with wireless chargers. Just place your smartphones with a charging case on a specially marked “+” sign, and the device charges. The chargers also come with a USB outlet for other devices. Included in the furniture collection: floor lamps, table lamps, side tables, and stand-alone charging pads.
