IKEA, a home furnishing retailer, has plugged-in four Blink electric vehicle charging stations at its Atlanta, Georgia, store as part of its partnership with Car Charging Group.
Car Charging Group is the new owner of the Blink Network and Blink charging stations, and the largest provider of EV charging services with more than 13,430 charging points in 35 states and three countries.
To charge an EV at IKEA Atlanta, 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 11th 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 55.
“Our mission is to create a better everyday life for the many people and to help everyone live more sustainable lives. At IKEA Atlanta, we just added to this effort with these electric vehicle charging stations,” said Jim Anastos, IKEA Atlanta store manager.
IKEA has been adopting sustainable practices at global locations. The company evaluates regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution.
Some of the sustainable efforts from IKEA 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 check-out process, phased-out the sale of incandescent bulbs, facilitates recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs, and by 2016 will sell only L.E.D.
There are currently more than 340 IKEA stores in 42 countries, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.