Cascade Sierra Solutions gets $22.2 million for truck stop electrification
Cascade Sierra Solutions will partner with ShorePower Technologies, a New York based corporation, to install Shorepower Truck Electrified Parking Space (STEPS) systems for diesel trucks at 50 truck stops throughout the U.S. CSS will also provide a rebate program to truck owners purchasing idle reduction equipment upgrades with electric stand-by capabilities. Approximately 25% of the equipment cost will be rebated for qualifying items.
The Trucker News Services
8/7/2009
COBURG, Ore. — This week President Obama announced the largest investment in electric vehicle technologies ever. Included in the package was $22.2 million awarded to Cascade Sierra Solutions (CSS), a nonprofit organization based in Coburg, Ore., to advance truck stop electrification infrastructures.
Cascade Sierra Solutions will partner with ShorePower Technologies, a New York based corporation, to install Shorepower Truck Electrified Parking Space (STEPS) systems for diesel trucks at 50 truck stops throughout the U.S. CSS will also provide a rebate program to truck owners purchasing idle reduction equipment upgrades with electric stand-by capabilities. Approximately 25% of the equipment cost will be rebated for qualifying items.
According to Jeff Kim at Shorepower Technologies, "Every Shorepower Truck Stop parking space used 8 hours a day instead of idling a diesel truck engine will eliminate 30 tons of carbon emitted to the atmosphere during the course of a year." "We expect 35 million gallons of diesel fuel to be saved over the first ten years."
"If we want to reduce our dependence on oil, put Americans back to work and reassert our manufacturing sector as one of the greatest in the world, we must produce the advanced, efficient vehicles of the future," said President Obama.
"Many new model trucks come equipped with electric plug-in capabilities. These equipment rebates are intended to accelerate the use of the stand-by power pedestals by older model trucks during their rest periods." said Dave Orton, Communication Manager at CSS. "If we can encourage the use of this equipment, we know drivers can save a gallon of fuel an hour by not having to idle their main engines for cab comfort." Nearly half of the states now have or are considering no-idle restrictions affecting trucking operations.
The rebates will be available to truck owners throughout the U.S. The program launch is expected by late fall 2009. To receive early notifications of program details, CSS encourages all interested parties to become CSS Fleet Members by joining at their Web site by clicking here.
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