Image: Neath Port Talbot CouncilThe first ten electric recycling vehicles are scheduled for delivery later this summer, with the remaining trucks to follow in phases throughout the year. Once fully deployed, Neath Port Talbot says it will be the only local authority in Britain operating an entirely electric recycling fleet.In addition to eliminating diesel-powered recycling vehicles, the new trucks offer a higher payload capacity than the vehicles they replace. The council says this will enable each vehicle to collect more recyclable material per route, supporting its efforts to maintain recycling rates above the Welsh Government’s statutory minimum target of 70%. It also expects the new fleet to reduce maintenance requirements and operating costs compared with the outgoing diesel vehicles.According to the council, the electric vehicles will be partly charged using electricity generated by on-site solar panels.“We’re very proud to be the first Local Authority in the UK to invest in a fully electric recycling fleet. We’ve been working proactively to make this milestone a reality,” said Councillor Scott Jones, Cabinet Member for Streetscene. “Not only will these vehicles help improve air quality for residents, they’ll also be cheaper to run which helps free up funds for spending on other services across the county.”linkedin.com, npt.gov.uk