The Shorepower Truck Electrification Project (STEP), a federally funded program, currently is developing infrastructure for electrical connections at truck stops along major freight corridors across the U.S.
The sites provide power required for truck cab hotel loads, and in a recent development, key new sites also are being equipped with 460-volt power supplies, specifically to support the growing population of transport refrigeration units with 460-volt electric standby (eTRUs). According to Carrier Transicold, that means drivers hauling cross-country with eTRUs, such as the company’s Vector 6500 or Vector 6600MT hybrid units, can pull into these select truck stops and achieve full cooling capacity by powering the refrigeration units from AC current, similar to plugging in for cab “hotel power.”
“We are delighted the STEP program recognizes the growing adoption of electric-standby-equipped refrigeration units, such as the Vector,” said David Kiefer, director of marketing and product management, Carrier Transicold. “Installation of 460-volt power supplies helps reduce costs for the trucking industry while fulfilling Vector units’ full potential as an EcoDriven, environmentally-sound solution for transport refrigeration.”
Truckers have a load of good reasons to use electrical connections to power accessories instead of idling their diesel engines at truck stop parking spaces. Electricity can operate heating, air conditioning and in-cab conveniences with less noise and fewer emissions. That conserves fuel for the highway and also results in less wear and tear on the engine. It also helps drivers comply with laws limiting hours and places where trucks can idle.
The current wave of STEP development includes facilities along Interstates 5, 10, 20, 70, 80, 90 and 95, adding approximately 1,200 parking spaces with electrical connections. As of January 2012, 15 locations were open for business and another 45 will open before the end of the year, according to terms of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant, which is funding the demonstration project being administered by Cascade Sierra Solutions, with Shorepower Technologies developing the infrastructure and operating the system.
For a map of truck stops with electrical connections at parking spaces, visit www.shorepower.com/network. Click on the link directly under the map for a list of all locations that are part of the STEP project.
