A Review and Cost Comparison of Current Idle-Reduction Technology

As of January 1, 2008 idling of the main vehicle engine for the purpose of powering sleeper cabin amenities by any truck over 10,000 lbs (4,500 kg) within the borders of the state of California is prohibited unless strict emissions standards are met. Following California’s lead, a number of other states have also passed legislation restricting idling time and emissions. In anticipation of tighter idling legislation and rising fuel prices, idle-reduction technologies are garnering an increasing market share. These include auxiliary battery-electric power systems, primary vehicle battery systems, truck-stop electrification, diesel-fueled auxiliary power systems, and fuel-fired heaters. In this paper the current state of anti-idling technology is reviewed. Off the shelf systems are compared in an attempt to discern which is more advantageous in terms of factors such as lifetime cost, lifetime cost per hour, and payback period.