Smartidle Technologies and Strategies
Reducing the idling times of heavy-duty trucks reduces petroleum consumption, fuel costs,
engine wear and maintenance costs, diesel emissions and noise.
It is estimated that idle reduction technologies could reduce fuel usage by 1 billion gallons
per year. That wasted diesel fuel translates to over $3 billion dollars that could be saved
by drivers using idle reduction technologies.-
Numerous technologies are currently available to help companies and drivers reduce fuel
consumption. The SmartWay Transport® Partnership is establishing several innovative
financing programs to make these technologies more accessible to interested trucking
companies through Smartway Upgrade Kits. Greater use of these technologies will not
only reduce fuel consumption and related costs to trucking companies, but it will also
result in reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases and other harmful air pollutants.
Visit www.epa.gov/smartway for more details.
Some of these technologies include:
|
TECHNOLOGY
|
DESCRIPTION |
COST (1)
|
BENEFIT (2) |
|
Idle Reduction Device Bunk Heater
|
A small, lightweight, diesel fuel-fired device mounted in the cab that provides heat for cab comfort
|
$1,500
|
Estimated 6% fuel savings assuming 1,200 hours idling per year.
|
|
Idle Reduction Device
Auxiliary Power Unit/APU
|
Small diesel powered generator mounted outside the cab that provides heat, air-conditioning, and electrical power to run appliances.
|
$8,500
|
Approximately 10% fuel savings assuming 2,400 hours idling per year. Additional reduction in wear and tear.
|
|
Idle Reduction System |
A small (4 lb) battery ppowered device (draws < one Amp) that uses the heat from the engine coolant to warm the cab for up to 4 hrs. Ventilates the cab in the summer. Equipped with battery voltage sensor w/ automatic shutdown |
$600-$800 |
Pay back period (ROI) 4-8 months
|
|
Aluminum Wheels for Single Wide Tires
|
Traditional tires are replaced with one single wide tire and aluminum wheel. Can be applied to all tractor and trailer tire positions except for the steer tires. |
$5,600
|
Estimated 4% -10% fuel savings
|
|
Trailer Aerodynamics
|
Fairings added to the front, underside, and rear of the trailer to reduce drag.
|
$2,400
|
Approximately
5%-7% savings
|
|
Advanced Truck Stop Electrification
|
ATSE systems provide heat and air conditioning, internet, local phone service, satellite television, movies on demand and computer based interactive driver training to the cab of the truck. Some systems also feature 110 volt outlets and can also deliver power to refrigerated trailers. |
$1.25 - $1.50
per hour
$10 adapter
|
One gallon of diesel fuel is saved for every 75 minutes spent at an ATSE- equipped truck stop.
|
Retrofit technology is also a viable option in the quest to improve fuel economy and
air quality.
A retrofit technology can be any change to an engine system above and beyond what is
required by EPA regulations that improves the engine’s emission performance.
Some of these strategies include:
• Catalyst or filter
• Engine upgrade
• Early engine replacement
• Use of cleaner fuels or additives
• Idle control equipment
• Combination of above
Potential funding opportunities may be available depending on your locality.
Contact southscc@comcast.net for more information.
