Concept development for e-charging infrastructure at all IKEA locations in the DACH region

RLI developed a concept for e-charging infrastructure for a large Swedish furniture company (IKEA). Charging points for e-vehicles are to be created in all parking lots of the company’s stores in the entire DACH region, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This includes a total of around 70 locations.

Charging options for delivery vans, cars and logistics vehicles

Different groups of vehicles will be able to use the charging points: customers’ vehicles, employees’ vehicles, delivery vehicles and last-mile vehicles, as well as rental vehicles, company cars and logistics vehicles. The challenge in planning was to take into account the different usage patterns and requirements of the different vehicles: does the car charge quickly or slowly, a lot or a little.

What do the charging points have to do?

The RLI analyzed the charging behavior of the users and the operating behavior of the vehicles and the projected development from today to the year 2030.

After the analysis, the RLI determined the number of charging points needed as well as the charging technology, tailored to the specific needs of the location. The goal was to be able to forecast precisely for each location where how many charging points must be available at what time in order to meet the demand.

Proprietary methodology enables site search

In order to find the optimal place for charging points within each IKEA location as well, RLI developed a methodology for identifying suitable areas.

RLI then drawed conclusions about the necessary grid connection and the cost of building the charging infrastructure.

Project duration: November 2021 – May 2022

• Preparation and implementation of stakeholder workshops
• Development of a methodology to identify suitable areas at the site
• Development of a tool for individual and demand-oriented planning of charging infrastructure at the site