New Competitors Enter Truckstop Electrification Business

Even as IdleAire Technologies enters bankruptcy proceedings, several smaller companies are betting that as fuel prices continue to soar and strict truck idling regulations proliferate across the country, there is still room for growth in the market

for truckstop-based anti-idling systems.

CabAire, Enfield, Conn., is a division of Control Module, which has nearly 40 years of experience providing custom computing, data collection and machine control technologies to transportation companies and others. It started installing the first of what it calls "next-generation truckstop electrification" about a year ago, at the American Auto Stop off of I-95 in n North Stonington, Conn. That truckstop faced local regulations addressing not only anti-idling, but also engine noise reduction and lot lighting.

Craufurd Manufacturing, Belchertown, Mass., is a sister company to British Craufurd Technologies, which has decades of experience in making specialized heating and air conditioning units. Its AireDock anti-idling system is a stand-alone HVAC unit that can heat or cool a truck in just minutes in ambient temperatures up to 120 degrees or down to 40 below. There are also power outlets for in-cab electronics, Internet, streaming video, and plug-ins for a block heater.

Shorepower Technologies (formerly Shurepower) provides electrified parking spaces for Truck Stop Electrification as well as for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Shorepower TSE allows truck drivers to turn off their engines and plug into all weather electrical and communication outlets during mandatory rest periods. This reduces fuel costs, toxic exhaust emissions, maintenance costs and provides a better night's rest. Shorepower recently opened several new TSE facilities in the Northwest.

For more details on these truckstop anti-idling technologies, as well as onboard anti-idling options, driving for fuel savings, the latest in hybrid vehicles, spec'ing for fuel efficiency and more, see the special fuel crisis edition of Heavy Duty Trucking coming in June.