Truck Stop Electrification

CarbonFund.org

While renewable energy projects reduce the need to produce more energy from dirty sources in the future, energy efficiency projects reduce the need to produce more energy now. They are among the most cost-effective ways to reduce carbon emissions, making investment in energy efficiency a key part of fighting climate change.

One energy efficiency project Carbonfund.org supports is Truck Stop Electrification. This innovative project reduces tailpipe emissions from some of the heaviest emitters of all: the 18-wheelers that transport our consumer goods all across the country.

Long haul truck drivers idle their trucks to heat or cool their cab and to power on-board appliances during the federally-mandated ten hour rest period for every eleven hours on the road. In addition to the tailpipe emissions, idling creates poor resting conditions for the driver and fosters unhealthy local conditions since large numbers of trucks idle in close proximity. Idling also consumes fuel while moving no product, reduces engine life, and requires more frequent maintenance intervals.

The project developer, IdleAire, Inc., allows drivers to shut off their engines by providing its Advanced Truck Stop Electrification (ATE) at locations where trucks congregate and idle for extended periods.  The system consists of an in-cab service module connected via a flexible hose to a highly efficient external HVAC unit mounted on an overhead truss. Drivers connect the service module to a cab window with an inexpensive, high impact plastic window adapter.

The service also provides electrical outlets and a variety of communication and entertainment options for the driver.  The technology allows truckers to heat and power the interior of the truck, run the radio and check email without forcing the engine to burn diesel, saving on average a gallon of diesel per hour.  

For more information on the Truck Stop Electrification project and energy efficiency, visit our Projects page.