Chevrolet Helps Give Truckers, Environment a Break from Idling

Chevrolet is supporting a project to help long-haul truckers avoid idling during rest breaks at truck stops, which cuts back on the carbon dioxide emissions that come from engine idling.

The IdleAir project is one of many innovative carbon-reduction projects across America where Chevrolet is making an impact on local communities, jobs and the environment.

Here’s how it works. A trucker pulls into an IdleAir space to find a reusable plastic window adapter. The adapter is connected to a heating and cooling air vent, TV, power outlets, internet or other conveniences the trucker has in his or her cab. The truck engine can then be turned off, saving fuel, reducing emissions and keeping power on to the big rig’s amenities.

Chevrolet is supporting various energy efficiency, renewable energy and conservation initiatives in its goal to prevent up to 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the earth’s atmosphere. To date, it has made purchase commitments for nearly 7 million metric tons of carbon reductions from projects across the United States.  Reductions must be reviewed, certified and retired before the investment is completed.  Actual carbon reductions take place between 2010 and 2014.

IdleAir users save a gallon of diesel fuel per truck per hour. Drivers typically rest at night, so IdleAir uses off-peak power and has begun installing solar panels on some of its overhead trusses to provide solar-powered electricity.