Aura Systems Inc., El Segundo, Calif., has announced that a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study lists the AuraGen as a technology that can reduce vehicle engine emissions and save fuel.

The EPA has developed plans to significantly reduce pollution from diesel engines. An important element of the EPA's plan is the Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program that addresses pollution from diesel construction equipment and heavy-duty vehicles that are currently on the road today. A critical area of concern is for long-duration truck engine idling. The EPA is working closely with the trucking industry, manufacturers of idle control/mobile power technologies and various states to save fuel and reduce air pollution from idling trucks.
The AuraGen combines mechanical and electronics design, engineering and electromagnetic technology to produce a mobile power generating system that creates alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electricity, both with and without the engine on. Through its Inverter Charger System (ICS), the AuraGen provides engine-off power, including power to provide heat or air conditioning and electrical power for appliances.
"The AuraGen, with its ability to provide clean power even with the vehicle's engine off, is an ideal product to help any vehicle owner, from individuals to fleet owners/operators and state/local governments, meet these stringent EPA standards," said Neal Meehan, Aura chairman and CEO.
According to the EPA, trucks consume up to a gallon of diesel fuel for each hour at idle, using as much as 2,400 gallons of fuel every year per truck. For trucks alone, this totals 1.2 billion gallons of diesel fuel consumed every year from idling, costing $1.8 billion. On average, each idling truck produces about 21 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 0.3 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) annually, totaling more than 11 million tons and 150,000 tons respectively. In addition, studies indicate that idling can cost more than $300 annually in maintenance costs.
For more information about the company's AuraGen product, visit www.aurasystems.com.