Glacier Bay Inc. announced an off-vehicle power connection option for its ClimaCab electric auxiliary power unit (APU).
With the shore power option installed, a driver can keep the cabin temperature constant and comfortable in any condition for an unlimited period and recharge both the ClimaCab and main truck batteries using advanced power management technology built into the system. This can all be accomplished without starting the engine and wasting fuel, unlike other systems that need the engine to be running in order to recharge the batteries, according to the company.
“ClimaCab already provides the best payback in the industry for fleet operators, and the shore power option helps them keep costs even lower by providing unlimited power when vehicles are stopped for extended periods,” said Charles Fetter, Glacier Bay’s ClimaCab general manager.
According to the company, ClimaCab allows drivers to maintain a constant 70-72˚F within the cab for up to 15 hours without draining the starter batteries or running the engine. This system offers the only no trade-off solution when compared to other underpowered electric or diesel systems, offering the driver comfort when stopped for long periods, reducing the operating costs of large trucks and complying with emerging anti-idling laws, according to Glacier Bay.
ClimaCab can be operated when plugged into any available 110-volt electrical outlet. The shore power option places two 110-volt AC outlets in the cabin; a driver can use these for other electrical needs such as a television, computer or microwave oven. Using the shore power option, the main batteries in the ClimaCab system can be fully recharged within as little as 6-8 hours, depending on the amount of power the cab is using at the same time, the company said.
The shore power option for ClimaCab is currently available and costs $900 in single quantities.
