There is a trucking company in the West Valley that's offering its drivers what no one else in the state does: an innovative all-electric approach to keep truck drivers comfortable when they are parked and resting at the company's Phoenix facility. Not only does this approach make the air cleaner and more breathable by eliminating the need to idle semi-truck engines, it also saves the company money.
Schneider, one of the nation's largest trucking companies, is the first fleet to participate in Salt River Project's Truck Stop and Fleet Electrification rebate program. The project includes 20 Truck Stop Electrification (TSE) parking spots at Schneider's operating center, located at 3150 S. 39th Ave. Each of the TSE parking spots feature a device that fits in a truck's cab window to provide air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi and television that allow the truckers to turn off their vehicles and stop unnecessarily burning diesel fuel.
Compared to diesel fuel costs, supplying electricity for idling trucks is a drop in the bucket. While diesel prices fluctuate around the $3 range in the Valley, electricity to power the IdleAir units only costs 25 cents per hour. Semi-trucks can idle on average for 40 hours per week, so making the switch to electric idling can lead to significant savings per stop. It also helps reduce regular wear and tear on diesel engines, which lowers maintenance and operational costs for truck owners.
Schneider partnered with a company called IdleAir to implement the flagship project. SRP's Business Solutions programs provided an electric technologies rebate of $20,000 ($1000 per parking space) to install the project.
Over its lifetime, the Schneider TSE project will reduce emissions equivalent to removing more than 250 vehicles from the road. As part of SRP's 2035 Sustainability Goals, the utility is striving to decrease carbon dioxide emissions from generation resources, internal operations and through initiatives such as TSE.
DETAILS: For detailed program and eligibility requirements, visit savewithsrpbiz.com/TRU or call (602) 236-9650. Rebate funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. SRP offers a rebate program for every size and type of business to help customers save energy and money. To learn more, visit savewithsrpbiz.com/rebates.
Advantages of going electric:
Operating and net fuel savings of $1,500 per parking spot or $30,000 annually
Typical return on investment is approximately four years
Mitigate climate change
Reduce localized air and noise pollution
Provide alternative to idling in parking lots or road shoulders
Better resting conditions for drivers.