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Cummins and Webasto introduce systems that can help make trucks more environmentally friendly and save fleets some money while doing so.
With the price of diesel fuel remaining fairly stable the past few years, the subject of truck idle control has taken a back burner to other management issues in some fleets. Idling isn't just a problem of economy, however. More and more government agencies and communities are condemning idling truck engines as a easily controllable source of air pollution, smoke and noise, as well as being wasteful of valuable natural resources. Obviously, those fleets wishing to be good citizens need to take a harder look at their idling practices.
Trucks are left idling for several reasons. Probably the worst reason, and maybe the most prevalent, is just habit. For the last 50 years, drivers have left their trucks idling while they go to lunch or take a nap. In order to help correct this situation, many fleets use the programming capabilities on their electronic engines to control idling. Another method is to use an onboard computer to monitor the percentage of idle time...