Idle Reduction Benefits

Reducing the idling time of vehicles saves fuel and money, protects public health and the environment, and increases U.S. energy security. Reducing idle time can also reduce engine wear and associated maintenance costs.

Saving Fuel and Money

Argonne National Laboratory estimates that more than 650,000 long-haul heavy-duty trucks idle during required rest stops. As the trucks idle during those rest periods, they use more than 685 million gallons of fuel per year. At a price of roughly $3 per gallon, that wasted diesel fuel translates into almost $2 billion annually, much of which could be saved through the use of idle reduction technologies.

Protecting Public Health and the Environment

Idle reduction strategies can dramatically reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other harmful pollutants.

Idle reduction strategies also reduce noise pollution. In some areas, heavy-duty trucks and trains are required to limit noise at night. By reducing idle time, drivers can reduce engine idling noise and meet noise standards.

Increasing Energy Security

In 2010, the United States imported about 51% of its petroleum, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In any given year, one-half to two-thirds of our petroleum imports are used to fuel vehicles in the form of gasoline and diesel. Using idle reduction strategies to reduce fuel consumption reduces U.S. dependence on imported petroleum and increases energy security.