After several months of testing two "no idle" trucks with Ozark Trucking Inc. of Sacramento, Calif., the Electric Power Research Institute is ready to roll out no-idle equipment.

The Institute received a $200,000 grant under the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport program. Fleets interested in the program can install a subsidized Dometic or Taylor Made air conditioner/heater unit, Xantrex inverter/charger, Phillips & Temro basic cab wiring kit and from one to three Lifeline VRLA batteries. According to Bill Warf, project manager with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the system enables a driver to plug into "shore power" to run in-cab heat and air conditioning and auxiliary devices, or use battery power if plug ins are not available.
Under the grant, fleets purchase a tailored, onboard idle-reduction technology package and Electric Power Research Institute reimburses 50% of the cost. The Institute’s project team will assist the fleet with the installation of the first few systems. Warf said participants must track the reduced idle time and maintenance costs for 12 months and the fleet is then obligated to reinvest those savings in additional idle-reduction technologies.
According to Warf, the test period with Ozark Trucking reduced idling by nearly 75 percent.
According to Ozark's Mike Murphy, one of the test drivers, being able to shut down the truck and run off batteries has been a "fantastic experience. It's great on three points," he said. "It's quiet, there are no emissions and there is no diesel smell. While sleeping, the unit has worked great. I've been very comfortable."
For more information visit www.epa.gov/smartway/transport.