The North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s latest Confidence Report on idle-reduction technologies extends the goals of its first one, issued in June 2014 when fuel prices were much higher than they are today. Interest in idle reduction continues, however, for plenty reasons, from driver attraction and retention for fleets to reduction in engine wear and tear, fuel cost savings and off-duty comfort for owner-ops.
Achieving emissions and sustainability goals are other reasons both groups look for ways to reduce idle.
“By investing in technologies and practices, fleets can reduce idle to well below 20%,” says Mike Roeth, NACFE’s executive director. “The challenge is figuring out which set of technologies are best for you and being diligent in making it work.”
The latest confidence report runs down the possible scenarios and considerations to make, whatever combination of technology types an owner is considering: fuel-operated heaters, diesel APUs, battery HVAC systems, automatic engine start/stop systems and vehicle controls, and behavioral factors. The report also covers solutions like additional cab insulation and light-colored paint that can enhance idle-reduction efforts. It also comes with a confidence matrix and payback calculator; you can download via this link by providing some information.
The report found that the most efficient and effective idle-reduction solution entails a combination of complementary technologies used together. Four anchor technologies (driver controls + fuel-operated heaters; diesel APU + fuel-operated heater; battery HVAC + fuel-operated heater; and automatic engine start/stop system) are best as the basis for a solution with additional technologies to support the anchor.
