Wales has gone ahead and carried out its very first comparative showcase of hydrogen‑electric RCVs – refuse collection vehicles thereby marking a significant step in the endeavor to reduce emissions coming from heavy‑duty transport.
The showcase, which was held on February 25, 2026, happens to be a part of a £420,000 feasibility and demonstration programme which has the support of the Climate Innovation and Circular Economy schemes by the Welsh Government.
The project gets together partners such as Ricardo, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Hyppo, and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, as well as the Cardiff Capital Region – CCR.
The hydrogen‑electric RCVs that are used in the trial are Faun Zoeller Bluepower fuel cell electric vehicles, which are one of only two operational hydrogen fuel cell RCVs operating in the UK and are supplied by St. Helens Borough Council. These 27-tonne 6×2 have an Econic chassis by Mercedes with a Rotopress compactor refuse body along with a bin lift.
The electric RCV, which is used in the trial, is a Mercedes eEconic battery electric vehicle. The 27-tonne 6×2 chassis comes with a Faun Zoeller refuse body, a vario-press compactor along with universal bin lifter.
Studies have ascertained that while representing almost one-third or less of fleets, RCVs actually make up around two-thirds of the carbon emissions across the local authority areas.
It is worth noting that the trial looks forward to gathering operational evidence through testing both vehicles side by side, and that too in real-time working conditions. Engineers along with fleet teams are going to evaluate the consumption of energy, the driving range, performance when it comes to different routes and landscapes, and the viability of each technology for varied waste‑collection environments. The outcomes are going to inform the future investment decisions in relation to zero‑emission fleets throughout Wales.
Interestingly, the demonstration event brought together certain local authority representatives, along with experts from the industry and also public sector leaders, in order to observe how each vehicle goes on to perform under conditions that are comparable. The fact is that this is the very first time that two zero‑emission technologies are trialed at the same time in Wales.
The strategic director for regional growth at CCR, Mike Brough, said, “Heavy‑duty fleets are one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, and by bringing hydrogen and electric technologies together in a real‑world environment, we’re helping local authorities make informed, future‑proof decisions. It’s exciting, genuinely groundbreaking work and a fantastic example of regional collaboration driving practical climate action.”
Huw Irranca‑Davies MS, the Welsh Government deputy first minister and also the cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, went on to describe the trial as a major moment for the broader ambitions in climate of Wales.
He said that their investment in this project, and that too in a hard‑to‑decarbonize sector, goes on to represent a major development in terms of climate innovation in Wales. He further added that “By testing hydrogen and electric vehicles side by side, Wales is gathering the evidence needed to make smart, sustainable decisions to mitigate global warming. It is inspiring to see such partnership in action, and it underlines our shared commitment to a greener, cleaner, more skilled Wales, which is better for everyone.”
According to the cabinet member for climate change at Caerphilly Council, Cllr Amanda McConnell, the trial does reflect their commitment when it comes to enhancing the sustainability of waste services, and she added that “the trial of these new vehicles represents an important milestone in our commitment to sustainability and is another example of the way we are embracing new technology and driving innovation in order to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Says the council leader and cabinet member for infrastructure & investment at Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, “We’re pleased to be part of this innovative new trial, which could set the course for the future and transformation of fleet services in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wales. It’s vitally important that we continue to future-proof our fleet and look at all the ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.”
The fact is that as the collection of data goes on, the trial is indeed going to enable guidance for the strategic planning when it comes to the long‑term transition to zero‑emission heavy‑duty vehicles from Wales. Insights are for sure going to support the local authorities in regard to opting for the most effective technologies when it comes to decarbonizing waste and also recycling fleets in years to come.