Wakefield Council is replacing its aging refuse collection fleet with new diesel vehicles after a four year trial of electric bin lorries proved unsuccessful. Despite a goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, the council cited a lack of sustainable vehicle options from manufacturers and significant infrastructure hurdles. Key challenges included the inability to install sufficient charging points at existing depots and the high wear and tear of urban stop-start driving cycles. The move highlights the ongoing difficulty of electrifying heavy goods vehicles in municipal settings.
