Wales has begun its first comparative trial of hydrogen and electric refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), in a project aimed at helping local authorities make informed decisions about zero-emission fleet investment.
The trials are being delivered in partnership with Ricardo, Hyppo, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, with support from the Welsh Government’s Climate Innovation scheme and Circular Economy fund to the value of over £420,000.
Delivered by Cardiff Capital Region, the project brings both zero-emission technologies together side by side, marking what organisers describe as a significant step towards cleaner, more sustainable fleet operations across the country.
Throughout the trial, engineers and fleet managers will examine energy usage, range, operational performance and suitability for different terrains and routes, with insights intended to shape the next phase of zero-emission fleet planning across Wales.
CCR’s Strategic Director for Regional Growth, Mike Brough, described heavy-duty fleets as one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, adding that bringing hydrogen and electric technologies together in a real-world environment would help local authorities make ‘informed, future-proof decisions.’
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the investment represented ‘an important development for climate innovation in Wales,’ adding that testing both vehicle types side by side would help gather the evidence needed for smart, sustainable fleet decisions ahead of 2030.
Photo: © Caerphilly County Borough Council
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