Anti-Idling Ordinance

Anti-Idling Technology

There are many alternatives to idling a truck’s engine to provide heating, cooling, and power for other activities. These options allow drivers to be comfortable and safe while also saving money on fuel and reducing emissions from idling.

Options include:

• Automatic engine shut down and start-up
• Fuel operated heater
• Auxiliary power units and generators
• Thermal storage system
• Truck stop electrification

Automatic engine shut down and start-up

An automatic engine shut down/start-up system controls the engine start and stop based on a set time period or ambient temperature, or other parameters such as battery charge. The application for ambient temperature addresses the issue of cab comfort. For example, a driver can set the system to turn on the engine and heat when the outside tempterature reaches 65° F. For trucks, these devices are available from some of the engine manufacturers.

Fuel operated heater

These are commonly known as bunk heaters, circulates heated coolant to the vehicle's regular heater system, which allows the sleeper cab to be heated without idling the main engine.

Auxiliary power units and generators

Small engines that are installed on the truck to provide power to the air, heat, and electrical systems of the truck, while the truck’s engine is turned off. There are also non-fuel APUs that provide energy stored in a battery. Most battery units recharge from the truck’s main engine during normal operation.

Thermal storage systems

There are also known as evaporative coolers. They store energy in cold storage as the truck is driven. When the engine is off, it provides air conditioning.

Truck stop electrification

Often, this involves a window unit that supplies processed air to the cab, and sometimes electricity. For trucks that already have shorepower capabilities, power is provided by remote hookups.

The EPA maintains a list of verified idle reduction technology through the National Clean Diesel Campaign.  Additional product information and descriptions are available through the EPA's SmartWay Transport Program.