With four more sites in the Mid-South and central U.S. added to the national network of places at which drivers can plug in to reduce idling, truckstop electrification continues to expand. The four truckstops are the latest along major freight corridors that are receiving plug-in-power installations through the federally funded Shorepower Truck Electrification Project (STEP), administered jointly by Shorepower Technologies and Cascade Sierra Solutions.
The latest sites include:
- Southern Pride Truck Plaza at Exit 16 on I-24 in Paducah, Ky.
- Big Easy Travel Plaza at Exit 239 on I-10 in New Orleans, La.
- The Tennessean Truck Stop at Exit 22 on I-65 in Cornersville, Tenn.
- The I-40 Travel Center at Exit 35 on I-40 in Ozark, Ark.
Each of the four sites has 24 truck parking spaces at which drivers can plug their vehicles into electrical connections, allowing them to operate heating, air conditioning and cab appliances without running the engine during mandatory rest periods. The plug-in pedestals provide access to 120 VAC, 208 VAC or 240 VAC power sources, at a rate of $1 per hour, with cable TV available at some locations and wireless Internet for an additional charge. Half of the 50 STEP sites also will offer 480 VAC power for refrigerated trailer units with electric standby capabilities.
Shorepower Technologies now operates about 20 plug-in sites; the 50 truckstops to be added under the STEP program are to be in operation by the end of 2012. As part of the STEP program, equipment purchase incentives are being made available through Cascade Sierra Solutions to about 5,000 vehicle owners who commit to using the hook-ups to reduce engine idling. So far, the rebate portion of the STEP project has resulted in 20 equipment manufacturers receiving more than $7 million in rebates on over $35 million in product sales.
Rebates are still available for approved battery operated HVAC systems, which were allocated the largest number of rebates. The list of eligible systems can be found at the Cascade Sierra Solutions website. Free connector kits also are available for fleets and independent vehicle owners.
Cascade Sierra Solutions
www.cascadesierrasolutions.com
