Energy & Engine Technology Corporation announced that it introduced its new technology prototype for the long-haul trucking industry, the AXP InfiniGen, this week at the American Trucking Associations' Management Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The prototype unit was turned on Monday at 2 p.m. and operated continuously until 3 p.m. Wednesday, for a total of 49 hours.
This second generation AXP technology, for which there is now a patent pending, powers the cab's "creature comforts" and has the following unique set of characteristics: no engine idling; no fuel consumption; no emissions; full Sine-Wave power; no noise; split HVAC unit option; auto recharging without use of truck systems; easy portability from vehicle to vehicle; no maintenance.
The AXP InfiniGen initial design is intended to ultimately provide the kilowatts needed for up to 34 hours of continuous operation for federally mandated off duty rotations (required to be off duty for 34 consecutive hours after 60/70 hours on duty in any 7/8 consecutive day period) without reliance on the truck's batteries or charging systems.
The prototype of the technology was displayed at the ATA Show and strong interest was indicated from Senior Management of numerous mid- and large-sized trucking companies, which have requested notification of commercial availability of the device in the first quarter of 2005 for in service testing. EENT has invited these companies to participate in testing to achieve exposure of the product's capability and to assess interest in fleetwide implementation.
Increasing regulatory restrictions on truck engine idling have spawned interest in rapid development of power alternatives over the past several years. Reduction in idling not only provides environmental and economic benefits but also enhances the safety of American highways by assisting drivers to comply with mandated rest periods comfortably, thus increasing quality of driver rest during off periods and increasing retention of experienced drivers. Additional benefits include saving the cost of turnover and training, and better safety records decrease accident rates and thus mitigate against increasing insurance premiums.