Electrical connector kits available

Free kits to connect your truck to the electric grid are available through a federally funded program.

Shorepower Technologies and Cascade Sierra Solutions are providing 1,300 connector kits through the U.S. Department of Energy Recovery Act program to increase use of idle reduction technologies. The kits allow drivers to plug in to electric power pedestals at truck stops and other locations. The kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of 25 kits per fleet.

The connector kit consists of an electrical receptacle for mounting on the truck cab exterior, a cab interior 120-volt AC outlet and wiring harness, and an on-off switch and ground fault circuit interrupter.

Once the connector kit is installed, drivers can use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect a power pedestal at a truck stop parking space to the exterior receptacle.

Fleets are allowed to self-install by an ASE certified technician, but independent operators must have the kits installed at an authorized service center. Participants must agree to use Shorepower Technologies’ service at any of its locations within 12 months of installation of the connector kit.

For more information and a list of locations where the connector kits are available, go to www.plugintosavings.org.

The connector kits are being provided through the Shorepower Truck Electrification Project (STEP), which is also installing plug-in sites at 50 truck stops around the country and providing rebates on purchase of shore power capable idle reduction equipment.