IKEA Solar Cargo Bikes for Low-Emission Last Mile Deliveries
IKEA recently announced it will employ solar-assisted cargo bicycles for home deliveries in select cities to reduce its climate footprint. The company is adopting cargo e-bikes by Swedish startup SunRider Technologies that are fully powered by built-in solar panels.
IKEA plans to initially roll out SunRider’s solar delivery bikes in Stockholm this spring. The company ultimately aims to incorporate solar cargo bikes into its distribution networks worldwide.
IKEA stated the zero-emissions bikes will enable clean last-mile transportation from urban distribution hubs to customer homes. They noted shifting local deliveries from vans to pedal power aligns with IKEA’s aggressive targets to combat climate change.
“We are really proud to team up with SunRider Technologies in Stockholm and use their solar e-cargo bike solution for deliveries to our IKEA customers living more centrally in the city,” said IKEA Sweden’s Ingrid Tressner Buron.
IKEA plans to measure results from the Stockholm pilot before expanding solar deliveries to other cities globally. But the company states that wide adoption of zero-emission logistics like e-cargo bikes is essential to become climate positive.
SunRider designed its distinctive trike-style cargo bikes specifically for last mile urban delivery. The bikes have a rear cargo box to carry substantial loads up to 220 pounds. But uniquely, the bikes are entirely self-charging from built-in solar panels on the box lid and awning.
Even in Sweden’s often overcast weather, the solar panels can fully recharge the e-bike’s battery in 2-3 days. That enables unlimited use without relying on wall charging from the electricity grid.
The solar power also makes the delivery bikes 100% emission-free. IKEA stated this allows quick point-to-point urban freight movement with zero tailpipe pollution.
IKEA also noted SunRider’s bikes have double the cargo capacity compared to typical e-cargo bikes. Their stable three-wheeled design makes them easier to ride when loaded versus standard two-wheel bikes.
“We have invested heavily in developing a solar cell solution that gives our e-cargo bikes unlimited range. This means our customers, like IKEA, can operate fleets of SunRider solar e-cargo bikes without access to charging infrastructure,” said SunRider CEO and founder Viktor Hjort.
Globally, IKEA operates over 420 stores across 50 countries. Home deliveries make up a sizable part of the company’s operations and climate impact.
IKEA estimates emissions from customers’ shopping trips, home deliveries, and product assembly represent about 15-20% of IKEA’s total carbon footprint. The company is pursuing multiple initiatives to decarbonize its transportation networks.
In urban areas, shifting to zero-emission micro-mobility options like SunRider’s solar cargo bikes for last mile trips provides a targeted path to lower emissions. Even partial adoption could reduce reliance on diesel vans.
IKEA is striving to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030. The company also aims to become climate positive by reducing more emissions than its operations release.
To meet these goals, IKEA is transitioning its fleet vehicles to electric, optimizing loading and routing, and switching freight from trucks to trains. The new collaboration with SunRider on solar cargo delivery bikes represents the latest move to clean up IKEA’s sizable distribution climate footprint.
