Mar 1, 2003 12:00 PM

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $200,000 grant to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to demonstrate how shore power is an alternative to truck idling.

EPRI technology development manager Mark Duvall said the grant money will be used to outfit long-haul trucks with an onboard infrastructure that will allow it to become a “no idle” truck.

The system would include shore power connectors to use AC power at truck stops and terminals, an AC-powered HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) system, an inverter/charger, and auxiliary deep-cycle batteries to run the system when AC power is not available.

A demonstration lane is planned along the Interstate 5 running from Washington to Southern California. Several truckstops will be wired for shore power.