A Better Way to Drive About Us Participate Infomation What's New Membership Contact Us <image>
A Better Way to Drive.
  Alternative Fuel Vehicles
  Alternative Refueling Locations
  Benefits of Cleaner Fuels
  Biodiesel
  Buyer's Guide
  Educator's Tools
  Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles
  Ethanol
  Hybrid Vehicles
  Propane and Natural Gas
  Selling Biofuels
  Useful Links


What is Idle Reduction?

"Idle reduction" are the technologies and practices that reduce the amount of time heavy-duty trucks idle their engines. This reduction saves fuel, cuts engine wear, and saves money. In addition, it reduces emissions and noise.

Truckers idle their engines while they rest to provide heating, cooling, electrical power, and to keep the engine warm and the battery charged.

The two primary idle reduction technologies are truck stop electrification and auxiliary power units. The pages below to offer more information about these idle reduction technologies.

  • Auxiliary Power Units are small diesel-powered engines that are installed in the truck. Depending on the model selected, auxiliary power units can provide heat only or heat, air conditioning, and electric power.
  • Truck Stop Electrification involves modifying the truck stop parking space to provide electric power, heat, and air conditioning.

onboard idle reduction equipment

Click here for a spreadsheet of the available Anti-Idling Products.

Click here to link to an Idle Reduction Cost Calculator via the U.S. Department of Energy to determine how much you could save by reducing engine idling.

The "Idle Talk" guide, provided by Cummins APUs, features the idling regulations of cities and states across the US and helps truck drivers comply with these standards.

Truck Stop Electrification Sites
Visit our Frappr map to find locations for plugging in your truck!

Where to buy idle reduction equipment

For more information on idle reduction technology, visit the US EPA SmartWay website.

*Information from Clean Cities Idle Reduction Page