The trucking industry continues to face significant challenges, including high maintenance costs, emissions, and downtime. However, a breakthrough in charging technology offers a promising solution. Dual source charging, which combines solar and alternator battery charging, is transforming commercial transportation by addressing these issues efficiently.
THE PROBLEM WITH IDLING
New anti-idle regulations, the addition of telematics, and increased power requirements have introduced new challenges for fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers. Drivers can no longer rely on idling to charge their vehicle batteries, leading to reduced battery longevity, decreased vehicle reliability, and increased maintenance costs. This results in lost productivity due to vehicle downtime and significant financial implications, including emergency roadside assistance, high maintenance costs, and frequent battery replacements.
Idling has traditionally been a common practice to keep vehicle batteries charged, especially during long hauls or when vehicles are stationary for extended periods. However, the environmental impact of idling is substantial. It contributes to increased emissions, fuel consumption, and wear and tear on the engine. With stricter regulations and a growing emphasis on sustainability, fleet operators are under pressure to find alternative solutions that reduce idling without compromising battery health and vehicle performance.
CURRENT CHALLENGES IN FLEET OPERATIONS
Data shows that the average commercial vehicle operates six to 10 hours daily, with many engine starts and stops. These constant startups cause significant wear and tear on the starter and batteries, leading to frequent replacements and increased maintenance costs. Idling during operations is wasteful and adds to maintenance and extended engine run time, which is increasingly regulated in many states.
Vehicle maintenance accounts for a significant yearly cost for fleet operators. Under these conditions, vehicle batteries typically have a shorter lifespan of one to two years, depending on use and environmental conditions. These recurring expenses erode fleet profitability. Additionally, delivery equipment such as pallet jacks and liftgates rely heavily on batteries. Reliance on single-point charging (alternator only) can reduce the effectiveness and reliability of this equipment, presenting a logistical problem and increasing the risk of downtime.
The challenges extend beyond the vehicle batteries themselves. Delivery equipment, such as pallet jacks and liftgates, also rely heavily on batteries. When these pieces of equipment are not adequately charged, it can lead to operational delays and inefficiencies. Single-point charging, which relies solely on the alternator, may not provide sufficient power to keep all equipment fully charged, leading to potential disruptions in the delivery process.
INNOVATIVE CHARGING SOLUTIONS
In response to these challenges, charging systems have been developed. One such system is the Phantom, a dual-source charger that integrates solar and alternator power. This technology allows fleets to eliminate idling while providing ample power. The system uses intelligent communications and smart charging to maximize power input from both solar panels and the vehicle’s alternator, maintaining battery health and efficiency.
By harnessing the power of both solar energy and the vehicle’s alternator, the system ensures a continuous and reliable power supply. The system switches between the two energy sources based on availability and demand, optimizing the charging process. This reduces the reliance on idling, and enhances the overall efficiency of the fleet.
DUAL-SOURCE CHARGING TECHNOLOGY
The solution to these problems lies in the Phantom’s patent-pending dual-source charging technology. This system uses both solar and alternator power to charge vehicle batteries. By combining these two energy sources, it reduces idling and offers a balanced and efficient way to maintain battery health, keeping the battery at a higher state of charge.
The dual source charging technology is designed to be versatile and adaptable to various fleet configurations. The solar panels used in the system are lightweight, low-profile, and efficient, making them suitable for installation on a wide range of commercial vehicles. The integration of telematics and smart communication technology (J1939) ensures interaction between the batteries, power systems, and telematics, providing real-time data on battery status and performance.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF DUAL-SOURCE CHARGING
Dual source charging technology offers economic benefits. By combining solar and alternator charging, fleets can extend battery life by up to 200 percent, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This extended battery life is crucial, given that battery replacements for commercial vehicles can cost between $500 and $1000 per instance per vehicle.
Constant charging maintains vehicle batteries at a high state of charge, lowering the likelihood of unexpected battery, alternator, and starter failures, as well as the associated downtime. Additionally, solar power reduces fuel costs. Fleets that rely solely on traditional alternator charging methods idle more to prevent dead batteries and are subject to rising fuel prices. By incorporating solar panels into the charging system, fleets can offset a significant portion of these costs.
The economic benefits extend beyond direct cost savings. By reducing the frequency of battery replacements and minimizing downtime, fleets can improve their overall operational efficiency. This translates to increased productivity and profitability. Moreover, the reduction in fuel consumption and emissions aligns with sustainability goals, enhancing the fleet’s reputation and compliance with environmental regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Adopting dual source charging technology allows fleets to meet environmental and sustainability goals while increasing productivity and profitability. The Phantom system offsets idling, reduces the frequency of battery replacements, and lowers emissions. It can reduce a work vehicle’s emissions by up to 10 metric tons in a single year, equivalent to the yearly emissions of two to three gasoline-powered cars or the amount of CO2 captured by 12 acres of forest.
The environmental benefits of dual source charging are significant. By reducing idling and optimizing battery charging, fleets can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air quality. The reduction in emissions is particularly important in urban areas, where air pollution is a major concern. Additionally, the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, aligns with global efforts to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Looking ahead, the adoption of dual source charging technology is expected to grow as fleet operators recognize its benefits. As technology continues to advance, further innovations in charging systems and energy management are likely to emerge, paving the way for even greater efficiency and sustainability in the future.
Dual source charging technology represents a significant advancement in the commercial transportation industry. As the industry continues to evolve, adopting such innovative technologies will be crucial in paving the way for cleaner, more efficient fleets. The integration of intelligent communications and smart charging further enhances the system’s capabilities, ensuring that fleets can operate reliably and sustainably in an increasingly regulated and environmentally conscious world.
about the author
Eva Mitic is the marketing manager at Dometic Mobile Power Solutions.
