Wales has launched its first comparative demonstration of hydrogen and electric refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), marking a milestone in its ambition to accelerate cleaner, greener transport.
The £420,000 feasibility and demonstrator work, supported by the Welsh Government’s Climate Innovation scheme and Circular Economy, is being delivered by the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), bringing together ten local authorities across South East Wales.
This partnership includes Ricardo, Hyppo, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.
It is designed to gather real‑world operational data, compare performance and inform future investment in zero emission fleet technologies across Wales.
Throughout the trial, engineers and fleet managers will examine energy usage, range, operational performance and suitability for different terrains and routes.
Also, insights from the trial will help shape the next phase of zero emission fleet planning across Wales.
Hydrogen‑electric RCVs used in the pilot are Faun Zoeller Bluepower fuel cell electric vehicles, supplied by St Helens Borough Council.
These 27-tonne 6×2 vehicles have an Econic chassis by Mercedes with a Rotopress compactor refuse body along with a bin lift.
Meanwhile, the electric RCV used in the trial is a Mercedes eEconic battery electric vehicle.
This 27-tonne 6×2 chassis comes with a Faun Zoeller refuse body, a vario-press compactor along with universal bin lifter.
Mike Brough, CCR’s Strategic Director for Regional Growth said: “Heavy-duty fleets are one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise and by bringing hydrogen and electric technologies together in a real-world environment, we’re helping local authorities make informed, future proof decisions.”
