IKEA re-affirms commitment to sustainable transport with plans to expand electric vehicle charging service

IKEA Canada to offer additional two Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations at each
Ontario store location with grant from Ontario's Green Investment Fund

BURLINGTON, ON, July 13, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, IKEA Canada announces plans to install two additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at each IKEA store in Ontario, reinforcing IKEA Canada's commitment to sustainability and sustainable transport. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation, under its Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario (EVCO) program, is providing the funding for the new charging stations.

The Level 3 EV charge points installed at each IKEA store in Ontario will be in addition to units installed during the company's own national rollout of Level 2 EV charge points last July at all 12 IKEA stores, a first by a Canadian retailer. IKEA will again partner with Sun Country Highway as the technology provider and installer of the units and charging will be provided to customers on a first come, first serve basis.

"As part of our commitment to sustainability and helping our customers live a more sustainable life at home and beyond, we're proud to work with the province to increase the number of charging stations at our stores in Ontario," said Stefan Sjöstrand, President of IKEA Canada. "This initiative further secures IKEA's leadership in promoting low-carbon transportation in Ontario and helps our customers continue to adopt a lower carbon footprint for trips made to IKEA stores."

The transportation sector is the largest source of carbon and climate-related emissions, and electric mobility has great potential to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. By building a more robust network of public chargers across Ontario, electric vehicle owners are able to plan longer trips with confidence.

"We are pleased to be partnering with IKEA Canada to help set the groundwork for expanded EV ownership in Ontario. Faster charging stations available in greater numbers will help us achieve our mutual goals of a more sustainable and energy efficient Ontario," said Steven Del Duca, Ontario Minister of Transportation.

The province is investing nearly $20 million from Ontario's Green Investment Fund to support the Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario (EVCO) grant program. As a result, nearly 500 electric vehicle charging stations will be built at over 250 locations in Ontario by March 31, 2017. IKEA, along with 23 other public and private sector partners will create a network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations in cities, along highways and at workplaces, and other public places across Ontario.

ABOUT IKEA CANADA

IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer with 375 stores in more than 50 countries worldwide, which are visited by 884 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 12 stores, an eCommerce virtual store and six Pick-Up and Order Point locations in southern Ontario and Quebec. The company also recently announced plans to open a 13^th store in Halifax, Nova Scotia in late 2017. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 25 million visitors to its stores and 75 million visitors to the IKEA.ca website. Founded in 1943, the IKEA business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.

SOURCE IKEA Canada

Stephanie Kerr, Corporate Press Officer, [email protected], 905-637-9440 x6378