The slow pace of change in the manufacture of larger vehicles has left Aberdeenshire Council struggling to keep up with Scottish Government legislation demanding that petrol and diesel use is phased out by 2025.
The local authority has experienced challenges sourcing eco-friendly replacements for the larger vehicles in its fleet – because suitable models do not yet exist.
Documents which will go before the council’s infrastructure services committee on Thursday, prepared by fleet manager Paul Gray, explain that technology has not advanced as quickly as originally envisaged.
Mr Gray wrote: “The light and heavy commercial vehicle sector has not developed as quickly as the car industry.
“As a result we will need to wait to see what direction many manufactures of light and heavy goods vehicles go in terms of alternative fuels.
“Over the next three to five years we expect major manufactures to bring electric large goods vehicles to market.
“Current electric models are not viable due to cost and range. Currently there is only one electric low entry bus available, but the range does not currently meet our needs as a large rural authority.”
The plan also highlights the chance to improve technology on council-owned vehicles.
