If you already have an APU, you might wonder, “Why would I need to look for another solution?” The truth is, while APUs are effective, they’re not without their flaws. Let’s explore why Idle Smart is worth your consideration—whether or not you already have an APU.
What Is Idle Reduction?
Idle reduction refers to minimizing the need for your engine to run continuously when the truck is stationary. Traditionally, drivers rely on either the main engine or an APU to keep sleeper cabins comfortable. However, both of these options can lead to wasted fuel, increased maintenance costs, and more engine wear. Idle reduction technology aims to address these challenges by intelligently managing engine operation.
So, Why Not Just Stick with an APU?
It’s a valid question—APUs do get the job done. But even with an APU, there are several compelling reasons why you should consider Idle Smart’s intelligent idle reduction system:
Fuel Efficiency: While APUs are designed to provide power without idling the engine, they still consume fuel. In fact, many diesel APUs can be costly to run over time. Idle Smart, on the other hand, intelligently starts and stops the main engine as needed, using far less fuel than an APU and drastically reducing your fuel consumption over the long term.
Lower Emissions: Diesel APUs, though better than idling the main engine, still emit pollutants and contribute to your fleet’s carbon footprint. Idle Smart’s intelligent system reduces emissions further by only running the engine when absolutely necessary. This helps fleets comply with stricter environmental regulations while also doing their part for the environment.
Reduced Maintenance and Longer Engine Life: Diesel APUs require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. They also add additional wear and tear to your fleet’s equipment. Idle Smart, by intelligently managing engine start-stop cycles, reduces engine wear, which can extend the life of your main engine and reduce costly repairs.
Significantly Lower Upfront Costs: One of the biggest advantages of Idle Smart over diesel APUs is the cost. Diesel APUs can be expensive to purchase, install, and maintain. In contrast, Idle Smart is significantly more affordable per truck. The reduced initial investment allows you to allocate resources elsewhere, whether in fuel savings or other fleet improvements.
How Idle Smart Works: The Smarter Alternative to Diesel APUs
Idle Smart is designed to deliver the same level of comfort you’d expect from an APU—without the drawbacks. It works by intelligently starting and stopping your engine to maintain the temperature in the sleeper cabin. This approach helps maintain comfort without running the engine constantly, providing a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
Moreover, Idle Smart isn’t just a competitor to diesel APUs—it works seamlessly with Electric APUs, enhancing their performance. By pairing with Electric APUs, Idle Smart helps optimize fuel usage, reduce emissions, and provide a truly efficient solution for your fleet.
The Benefits of Idle Smart—Even If You Have an APU
You may be wondering: “Even with an APU, why should I care about Idle Smart?” Here’s why:
Fuel Savings: Idle Smart reduces unnecessary engine idling, saving significantly on fuel costs—something APUs can’t always compete with.
Cost Savings: Idle Smart not only cuts fuel costs but also reduces maintenance on both your main engine and APU. Over time, this leads to lower overall operational costs.
Environmental Impact: While APUs are better than idling, they still produce emissions. Idle Smart offers a cleaner, greener alternative by reducing the time the engine runs and cutting down on your fleet’s carbon footprint.
Intelligent Control: The Idle Smart system includes a user-friendly screen display that allows drivers to set the temperature in the sleeper cabin. For fleet managers, the added benefit of remote temperature control ensures you can manage your fleet’s needs with ease.
Discreet, Secure, and Efficient Hardware
Idle Smart’s hardware is small, lightweight, and discreet, sitting behind the dashboard where it’s virtually impossible for someone to steal without knowing exactly where to look. This design ensures security while offering seamless, efficient operation.
Why You Should Care
Even if your fleet already uses APUs, Idle Smart can enhance your operations by providing additional savings, reducing emissions, and increasing engine longevity. Whether you’re using a diesel APU or an Electric APU, Idle Smart is the smarter, more efficient solution to idle management—and it’s a lot more affordable per truck than diesel APUs.
APUs have been the go-to solution for managing engine idle time and cabin comfort, but with Idle Smart’s intelligent idle reduction system, you can achieve even greater fuel savings, lower emissions, and reduced maintenance costs—all at a significantly lower upfront cost compared to diesel APUs. It’s a solution that works in tandem with Electric APUs or as a stand-alone system to optimize your fleet’s operations.