BURLINGTON, ONT.—IKEA isn’t limiting itself to phone-charging furniture, the retailer has announced the national rollout of electric vehicle charging stations at each of its Canadian locations.

The rollout, set to be completed by late August, is the first national installation of EV charging stations in Canada by a retailer at all of its locations.

Charging will be provided to customers at no cost, on a first come first serve basis. IKEA has partnered with Sun Country Highway on the project which includes the installation of two SCH-60 “Level 2” 60-amp charge stations.

“Installing electric vehicle charging stations at all IKEA Canada stores reinforces our commitment to sustainability,” Stefan Sjostrand, president of IKEA Canada, said. “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.”

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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,” the company said.

“Electric vehicle charging stations are an important step on IKEA Canada’s continuing journey towards sustainability,” Brendan Seale, sustainability manager for IKEA Canada added. “The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of carbon and climate-related emissions, and our EV charging stations will help to encourage our customers to adopt lower carbon travel options to get to and from IKEA stores.”

IKEA has pledged to transform its business to ensure its “fit for the future” and have a positive impact on the planet. This includes “going 100 per cent” for renewable energy, by investing in wind and solar. As part of its commitment to sustainability, IKEA Canada said it has invested in a 46 megawatt wind farm in Alberta, almost 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. In Canada, the retailer said it has more than achieved this goal in 2015, and has been named one of the county’s greenest employers for the seventh consecutive year.