Carrier Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT) will be installing the Idle Free Systems’ electric APU, powered by Trojan Battery Co.’s OverDrive AGM 31 battery.
The Idle Free APU is a battery-based system that captures and stores energy in the OverDrive battery when the truck engine is on. When the engine is off, the energy can power A/C, heat, and onboard components such as televisions and microwaves, Idle Free said.
“Because truck idling is expensive in terms of fuel costs, routine engine maintenance, and engine wear and tear, it was important for MVT to find a solution that would not compromise our drivers’ safety or comfort, and be environmentally friendly,” said Royal Jones, CEO of Mesilla Valley Transportation. “MVT has been nationally recognized for its innovative and forward-thinking environmental strategies. The battery-based electric APU system from Idle Free, powered by Trojan, is a perfect fit with our corporate environmental initiative to reduce emissions caused by truck idling.”
The Trojan OverDrive is designed for deep discharge applications such as electric APUs. It incorporates a series of design features essential to delivering the long duration energy storage required for these types of heavy-duty truck applications, as well as high power cycling for extended periods of time.
“Repeated cycling when used for electric APUs puts stressful demands on a battery,” said Brad Bisaillon, sales manager for strategic accounts and transportation for Trojan Battery. “Trojan’s OverDrive AGM 31 deep-cycle battery is the best type of technology for these applications which involve repeated deep discharge and recharge of the battery. Thereliability of the OverDrive battery-based, Idle Free solution provides MVT drivers with the confidence of knowing that their trucks’ electric APUs will operate when needed most while at the same time positively impacting the environment.”
