A primer on truck stop electrification systems

Cab Power – from Phillips and Temro Industries offers pre-wired components that rely on electricity from a shore power connection. Added to an Auxiliary Power Unit and block heater, it can provide heat, air conditioning and electricity. The load center includes a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, circuit breaker and flush-mounted receptacles, while the system can also be connected to inverters, electric HVAC units and generator sets. www.phillipsandtemro.com

Proheat – Teleflex offers product including the CCU Shore Power unit for electrified truck spaces, including an HVAC system and connection that can draw electricity from a standard 110V/15 Amp household extension cord. The heating and cooling doesn’t require a generator, while the shore power kit includes a battery charger and transfer switch. www.proheat.com

IdleAir Technologies – A structure at each parking space offers a stand-alone HVAC unit and other services, with a hose and cables that connect to a user interface that fits into a cab window fitted with a $10 adaptor. The module delivers heat and air conditioning, Internet connections, local telephone service, satellite television, movies on demand and computer-based interactive driver training, as well as 110-volt outlets inside and outside the cab to power everything from appliances to block heaters.

Shurepower – includes tractor connection kits that cost from US $200 to US $2000 depending on the services you want to access at an equipped truck stop, such as 120 VAC power, Internet, WiFi, telephone and cable television. www.shurepower.com

Truckpower – Xantrex Technology’s solution couples its Truckpower inverter and charger to Cab Comfort’s Duo-Therm heat pump. The AC power comes from truck batteries, or a shore power connection. (A built-in battery charger recharges the batteries when a connection is available.) A separate 12 V power supply offers DC power without depleting batteries. Cab Comfort systems include an electric heat pump.