By Greg Johnson, Staff Reporter
This story appears in the Oct. 17 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.
Pilot Flying J said it plans to offer Shorepower Technologies truck stop electrification products at five truck stops in California and one in Texas.
The Knoxville, Tenn., travel stop operator has signed an agreement with Shorepower Technologies, Portland, Ore., to install power pedestals at travel centers in Bakersfield, Dunnigan, Lebec, Lodi and Weed in Calif., and in Dallas. Each site will have 24 to 48 electrified parking spots, to be installed over the next three to six months.
“Pilot Flying J is proud to be part of a program that reduces greenhouse emissions,” Bill Mulligan, the company’s vice president of development, in a statement. “By offering Shorepower technology at these locations, we hope to provide additional convenience and cost savings for professional drivers. The convenience of our customers is always our top priority.”
Shorepower Technologies President Jeff Kim said Pilot Flying J’s move constitutes validation for truck stop electrification.
“When a company of the size and reach of Pilot Flying J recognizes [truck stop electrification] as something its customers want and need, and commits to offering that service to them, that sends a message,” he said.
Shorepower pedestals provide access to 120-volt AC and other power sources, sold at a rate of $1 per hour, and to cable TV at most locations. Wireless Internet is available for an additional charge.
The Pilot Flying J installations are part of the Shorepower Truck Electrification Project, a federally funded program aimed at reducing truck idling. Qualifying truck stops can receive a complete truck stop electrification system at no cost to them and with Shorepower handling paperwork and other details.
The program is administered by energy nonprofit Cascade Sierra Solutions in partnership with Shorepower under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy.
