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

The system would include shore power connectors to utilize AC power at truck stops and terminals, an AC-powered HVAC 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.

Participating fleets and EPRI will track fuel and maintenance savings from the technology over a six-month period.