Six Pilot Flying J Truckstops Install Free Chargers

Shorepower Technologies will install its anti-idling  power pedestals at six Pilot Flying J truckstops in the U.S., as part of the federally-funded Shorepower Truck Electrification Project, Fleet Owner reports.

The pedestals will electrify between 24 and 48 parking spots per travel center, allowing truck drivers to run their heating, air-conditioning, communications and entertainment equipment off of the electric grid. The truck stops get the systems at no cost to them, and truck owners can apply to receive up to 20 percent of the funds needed to install the necessary connection equipment in their vehicles. Shorepower sells the electricity at $1 per hour.

Installation of the devices at Bakersfield, Dunnigan, Lebec, Lodi and Weed in California, and in Dallas, Texas, is expected to take three to six months.

In a separate initiative in January 2010, the federal government approved $38 million for Cummins Inc. to develop an auxiliary fuel cell power unit to be used during stops, as well as a cleaner-burning diesel engine, an aerodynamic tractor-trailer and a waste heat recovery system.

In August the American Transport Administration came out strongly in favour of new fuel efficiency standards for heavy-duty vehicles, but said the U.S. should provide more incentives for technology to reduce idling.