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IKEA announced a plan to install three Blink® electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its future Columbus store opening Summer 2017 as Ohio’s second such store. This initiative reflects the continued partnership between IKEA and Car Charging Group, the owner of the Blink Network and Blink EV charging stations, and the largest provider of EV charging services with thousands of public EV charging stations in 36 states and two countries. There currently are EV charging units at 16 IKEA stores in the United States.
“Installing EV charging stations at the future IKEA Columbus reinforces our commitment to sustainability,” said David Garcia, store manager. “As a retailer, IKEA realizes that a focus on the sustainable transport of people can help empower customers to live sustainably. So, meeting the needs of EV drivers helps achieve both goals.”
To charge an EV at the future IKEA Columbus, drivers can tap their Blink InCard (RFID card) to the reader below the screen, initiate the session directly from the Blink Mobile application, or use a guest code provided via the Blink Mobile app. Once the session is initiated, drivers can plug the charger into the EV, and then shop and eat at their leisure in the IKEA store while the vehicle is charging. EV drivers can become a Blink member for free and typically receive discounted charging fees at Blink EV charging stations. More information about how to use the Blink EV charging stations and becoming a Blink Member is available at blinknetwork.com.
Under construction on 33 acres at the northeastern corner of I-71 and Gemini Place in the Polaris Centers of Commerce, the 354,000-square-foot future IKEA Columbus and 1,200 parking spaces reflects the unique architectural design for which IKEA is known worldwide, and will include one of Ohio’s largest rooftop solar arrays, consistent with the solar presence at 90% of IKEA U.S. locations.
