By Rip Watson, Senior Reporter
This story appears in the July 25 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.
EnviroDock Inc. has completed a truck-stop electrification project at the TR Auto Truck Plaza in Dandridge, Tenn., marking the latest installation of technology designed to reduce idling and enhance driver comfort.
The installation includes 20 E-Dock units from EnviroDock that offer heating, cooling and air conditioning service. The travel center also has 10 pedestals that offer plug-in capabilities to provide electric power for a total of 30 truck-stop electrification, or TSE, positions.
The availability of truck-stop electrification has increased this year, with the help of federal funding through the economic stimulus program and other Energy Department grants. In addition, privately funded IdleAir is broadening its own TSE network at stations once operated by the bankrupt IdleAire Inc., which closed down last year.
“We are excited to announce EnviroDock’s first truck-stop electrification in Tennessee,” said Kenneth Neal, president of the company, based in White Plains, N.Y. “EnviroDock is looking forward to providing TR’s drivers with a low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to idling.”
E-Dock, a stand-alone system for heating, cooling and power, uses two ducts and a window control panel. It also has electric plugs for engine block heaters and other power needs. EnviroDock said that using its system can save drivers up to $8,000 a year in diesel and maintenance costs.
The plug-in units known as PowrDock provide simple electricity to run auxiliary power units or engine block heaters.
EnviroDock’s other two facilities are in the Albany, N.Y., area.
In addition to EnviroDock and IdleAir, Shorepower Technologies, CabAire and Craufurd Industries also offer TSE services.
