Truck Stop Electrification for Heavy-Duty Trucks

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that approximately 5,000 truck stops in the United States offer parking and other services, including fueling stations, restaurants, stores, and showers. Truck stops are vital to America's over-the-road transport system.

Because DOT mandates that truckers rest for 10 hours after driving for 11 hours, truckers might park at truck stops for several hours. Often, they idle their engines during this rest time to provide their sleeper compartments with air conditioning or heating or to run electrical appliances such as refrigerators or televisions.

Truck stop electrification allows truckers to "plug in" vehicles to operate necessary systems without idling the engine. In some cases, a stand–alone system can provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning directly to the sleeper compartment.

Options for truck stop electrification include single-system electrification and dual-system electrification, also known as shorepower.

Single-System Electrification

In single-system electrification, off-board equipment at the truck stop provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). These HVAC systems are contained in a structure above or next to the truck parking spaces. A hose from the HVAC system is connected to the truck window and, in most cases, to a computer touch screen that enables payment.

These stand-alone systems are generally owned and maintained by private companies that charge an hourly fee. To accommodate the HVAC hose, an inexpensive window template must be installed in the truck.

Dual-System Electrification

Dual-system electrification, also known as shorepower, requires both on- and off-board equipment so trucks can plug into electrical outlets at the truck stop. To use dual-system electrification, trucks must be equipped with an inverter to convert 120-volt power, electrical equipment—possibly including an electrical HVAC system—and the hardware to plug into the electrical outlet.

Truck stop outlets are owned by the truck stop or by a private company that regulates use and fees. Onboard equipment is owned and maintained by the trucking company.

Benefits

Truck stop electrification can reduce diesel emissions and save trucking companies the cost of fuel that would be used while idling. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that annual fuel savings could be as high as $3,240 per truck parking space. Additionally, truck stop electrification can allow truckers to accommodate local idling regulations and reduce noise.

Availability

More than 130 truck stops nationwide are equipped with idle reduction facilities. Use the AFDC Truck Stop Electrification Site Locator to find these stations. Also learn about available idle reduction systems.