What makes auxiliary power units (APUs) such a good investment today? Bill Gordon, division president of Bergstrom Parts LLC, says that the primary reasons are “fuel savings and less wear on the engine as a result of reduced idling. The fuel savings associated with reduced idling are significant. Omnitracs released a whitepaper recently that quantified the amount of money spent on idling per year at roughly $14 billion. Battery-powered systems like the NITE unit play a huge role in reducing that number and represent big savings for fleets.”
“The Carrier Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is an integrated heating and cooling system that provides up to 12,000 British thermal units per hour (Btuh) of cooling and 10,000 Btuh of heating,” explains David Kiefer, director of sales and marketing for Carrier Transicold, Truck/Trailer/Rail Americas. “The Carrier APU also charges truck batteries, warms the truck engine and is compatible with shore power.” He adds that APUs offer potential for fuel savings as well as compliance with more prevalent and more stringent idling regulations. In addition, fleets understand the impact an APU can have on reducing truck engine maintenance. Fuel prices continue to make compelling financial incentives to use an APU.”
“In addition to the fuel savings, with which everyone is familiar, the TriPac Evolution decreases tractor maintenance costs due to reduced idle time, which increases tractor resale value,” says Steve DeLarosby, product manager of APUs at Thermo King. “Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is how the APU helps with driver retention. Our customers are experiencing a significant shortage in drivers. The TriPac Evolution allows drivers to have access to the comforts home while still being on the road, which helps improve driver satisfaction and reduces turnover. By having APU on a tractor, companies can save money by decreasing recruiting and training costs.”
“While not technically an APU, our product line provides three things: heat, air-condition and alternate power,” shares John Dennehy, vice president marketing and communications for Eberspaecher Climate Control Systems. “Eberspaecher manufactures ‘Fuel Operated Heaters’ that can heat two mediums, air or water (coolant). We don’t produce cool or additional power. We all know that fleets are having a tough time attracting and holding drivers. These heaters can defrost your windshield keeping you safe, they use minimal fuel and they work just like a home furnace, where you set the temperature and let the heater do the rest.”
