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(7.5 million bbl) of diesel fuel (850 h/yr, thus yielding fuel savings of 80%), on the basis of a
truck population of 458,000. This savings is equivalent to about 0.2% of total transportation oil
use and 1% of heavy truck oil use. The investment cost would be about $1 billion, and the annual
fuel savings would be approximately $544 million (at $1.75/gal diesel fuel). A maximum of
about 836 million gallons (19.9 million bbl) of diesel fuel could be displaced annually if all
458,000 trucks were to use electric heating and cooling at electric truck stops (most fuels used
for generation of electricity are not petroleum-based). The actual potential savings depends on
the number of hours of idling displaced. Both of these technologies have other applications
truck population of 458,000. This savings is equivalent to about 0.2% of total transportation oil
use and 1% of heavy truck oil use. The investment cost would be about $1 billion, and the annual
fuel savings would be approximately $544 million (at $1.75/gal diesel fuel). A maximum of
about 836 million gallons (19.9 million bbl) of diesel fuel could be displaced annually if all
458,000 trucks were to use electric heating and cooling at electric truck stops (most fuels used
for generation of electricity are not petroleum-based). The actual potential savings depends on
the number of hours of idling displaced. Both of these technologies have other applications
direct-fired heaters can be used on school buses and urban buses, as well as on trucks.
Electrification can service transit buses and electric vehicles. Other technologies could also
enable considerable savings.
Electrification can service transit buses and electric vehicles. Other technologies could also
enable considerable savings.
Market acceptance of any of the options will depend primarily on the perceived benefit of
the technology. The market for direct-fired heaters in new trucks is about 2% (Jessiman 1996),
current APU sales are believed to be a few hundred per year, and the market for electrification is
extremely small. Therefore, market acceptance of any of these technologies would have to be
augmented by appropriate government incentives. Research and development to make these
devices reliable would also augment market acceptance and would encourage researchers to
explore new technologies, like fuel-cell APUs.
current APU sales are believed to be a few hundred per year, and the market for electrification is
extremely small. Therefore, market acceptance of any of these technologies would have to be
augmented by appropriate government incentives. Research and development to make these
devices reliable would also augment market acceptance and would encourage researchers to
explore new technologies, like fuel-cell APUs.