Ricardo supports delivery of hydrogen and electric refuse vehicle trial in Wales
Today, Wales unveiled its first comparative demonstration of hydrogen and electric refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), marking a major milestone in the nation’s ambition to accelerate cleaner, greener transport solutions.
The trials will be delivered in partnership with Ricardo, Hyppo, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Welsh Government’s Climate Innovation scheme and Circular Economy are supporting this important feasibility and demonstrator work to the value of over £420,000. This demonstration is part of a whole systems “challenge” which brings both zero‑emission technologies together side by side for the first time, marking a significant step towards cleaner, more sustainable fleet operations across the country.
An engineering, environmental and energy consultancy, Ricardo's vehicle decarbonisation experts have led the delivery of the project and will be responsible for the data gathering and analysis of the groundbreaking trial.
The showcase event brought together public sector leaders, industry specialists and local authorities to see both vehicles in action side-by-side. The trial is designed to gather real‑world operational data, compare performance and inform future investment in zero‑emission fleet technologies across Wales.
Delivered by Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), one of the UK’s city regions, bringing together ten local authorities across South East Wales, the project represents a significant step towards decarbonising heavy-duty vehicles and reducing emissions in communities across South East Wales.
Mike Brough, CCR’s Strategic Director for Regional Growth said: “This trial is exactly the kind of innovation CCR exists to champion. 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. It’s exciting, genuinely groundbreaking work and a fantastic example of regional collaboration driving practical climate action.”
Throughout the trial, engineers and fleet managers will examine energy usage, range, operational performance and suitability for different terrains and routes. Insights from the trial will help shape the next phase of zero‑emission fleet planning across Wales.
Ricardo Principal Consultant for Sustainable Transport, Michael Campbell, said: “As decarbonisation becomes an imperative, comparative trials such as these will help to guide decarbonisation initiatives for heavy-duty vehicle fleets in Wales and beyond its borders. We’re delighted to provide our expertise in facilitating this study with the CCR, Welsh government and other project partners.”
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, who hopes to visit the trials over the coming weeks, said:
Our investment in this project, in a hard-to-decarbonise sector, represents an important development for climate innovation in Wales. Demonstrator trials like that kicking off today show how innovative, ambitious and forward thinking our public services can be in tackling climate change and shaping our choices to 2030 and beyond. 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."
Find out more at CardiffCapitalRegion.wales
