BAKER CITY, Ore. - Plug-in and recharging stations installed at a truck stop in Baker City, Ore., will help truckers save on fuel costs while also reducing the emissions idling vehicles release into the environment.

Baker Truck Corral, just off Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon, is the first of 50 truck stops around the country to be outfitted by Shorepower Technologies in conjunction with Cascade Sierra Solutions through a program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

A formal ribbon cutting and open house with local dignitaries officially recognized the truck stop electrification project on Aug. 12.

Twenty-four truck parking spaces at Baker Truck Corral are now equipped with electrical service that will allow drivers to operate heaters, air conditioning systems and appliances in their cabs without having to run the engine. The plug-in stations are similar to those already available at boat marinas and recreational vehicle parks.

While idling is an issue for all types of trucks, it's a particular concern for long-haul drivers who are allowed to drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.

Trucks idling overnight while drivers are on rest breaks consumes hundreds of millions of barrels of oil a year. Idling trucks use up to a gallon of diesel fuel an hour, making it a cost issue with diesel fuel averaging about $4 a gallon. Reducing or eliminating overnight idling can save thousands of dollars a year per truck in fuel costs.

Reducing idling time also cuts emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, and it cuts down on noise, engine and component wear and maintenance costs.

"We're excited because Shorepower Truck Stop Electrification (TSE) benefits everyone," said Jeff Kim, president and chief executive officer of Shorepower Technologies. "Drivers and fleets save money and get improved working conditions, truck stops generate a new source of revenues, and the general public gets cleaner air and less noise."

"Using the power grid as an alternative to idling truck engines immediately puts money back in the pockets of truck owners, reduces air and noise pollution in the community and helps drivers get more restful sleep which ultimately improves highway safety," added Dave Orton, marketing communications manager for Cascade Sierra Solutions, a Eugene, Ore., -based non-profit organization working with the trucking community on ways to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Idle-reduction technology and services are also becoming a matter of law. Many states and municipalities have enacted or are considering rules on when and where trucks may idle. Starting Jan. 1, 2012, the state of Oregon will forbid idling a truck more than five minutes an hour on property open to the public (with certain exceptions).

The pedestals provide 120 VAC, 208 VAC or 240 VAC power sources. Power and cable TV access are available at $1 per hour, with wireless Internet available for an additional charge. Access and payment can be handled with a card, smartphone, laptop or telephone activation system.

The Baker Truck Corral installation is part of the Shorepower Truck Electrification Project in which more than 1,200 electrified parking spaces will be added at 50 truck stops around the country. That will more than double the number of spaces already available.

"Thanks to our grant, qualifying truck stops can receive a complete TSE system at no cost to them and Shorepower handles everything from construction through grand opening," Kim said. "This represents the opportunity to save over 7 million gallons of diesel per year."

Bob Lee, president of Roady's Truck Stops (which includes Baker Truck Corral) likes truck stop electrification with simple pedestals. "Ultimately this is going to come down as a business decision for the driver and the fleet," Lee said. With the savings provided through TSE, "The right thing to do is to shut the engine off."

Switching trucks from their own engines to the power grid means using electricity at an off-peak period for electric consumption, adding to the efficiency of existing power generation facilities. "We want to give drivers the opportunity to move to domestically produced energy and save money doing it," Kim said. "RV parks and marinas, even airports, have been using electricity to run HVAC systems and hotel loads for decades. It's time the trucking industry does the same. It's gratifying to see it happening now."

As part of the grant program, rebates on idling-reduction technology are available to truck and fleet owners through Cascade Sierra Solutions.
 
"By working together in this program, we're providing fleets and owner operators with the AC-infrastructure along strategic corridors, plus we're reducing the cost for on-board equipment," said Orton. "Truck manufacturers are offering shore power connections and electrical HVAC systems, which are eligible in the rebate program, as are many aftermarket shore power compatible systems.  It makes it a win-win for all involved." 

Shorepower says its systems could be installed not just at truck stops but at rest areas,  warehouses, truck depots, terminals and other parking areas. Lee said Shorepower installations could also prove popular for the growing number of electric cars whose drivers will want places to recharge their vehicles.

About Shorepower Technologies
Shorepower is a transportation electrification infrastructure company offering simple, cost-effective solutions for connecting cars and trucks to the electrical grid. Products and services offered include SmartWayTM-verified Truck Stop Electrification (TSE), as well as charging stations for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). Shorepower corporate facilities are located in Portland, Oregon and Utica, New York.

About Cascade Sierra Solutions
Cascade Sierra Solutions aims to be the nation's leading organization implementing best practices to upgrade and replace the legacy fleet of heavy diesel vehicles to minimize the use of fossil fuels and reduce harmful exhaust emissions.