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Green Fleets: Today's Innovations > Trucking Technologies > APUs

Auxiliary Power Units

Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) are units added to trucks to reduce reliance on the main diesel engine for electrical power, heat and air conditioning, maintaining batteries at full charge, or keeping the main engine coolant at close to operating temperature. The use of an APU can lower fuel costs by up to 90% compared to idling on the main engine and reduce emissions.

There are many different brands of APUs on the market but they generally fall into three types:

Small Diesel APU – a small diesel engine powers belt driven accessories is used to provide services to the cab and main engine.
Small Diesel-Electric – a small diesel engine runs a 120V generator that powers accessories. This technology is typically designed to also plug into “shore” power, making for a zero emission tractor at some rest stops.
Battery-Electric – This all-battery APU provides electricity to operate accessories and has a small diesel fired heater. The system is recharged either via the main diesel engine or shore power.

A key consideration for APUs is installed cost versus payback. Technology suppliers may offer calculators to estimate the payback time for a specific application. See, for example, the calculator at Kohler.

Our Partners

The E3 Fleet Program reflects the commitment and expertise of many people, including some of the country’s most innovative fleet managers. All have a common passion – to see Canada’s fleets take a cleaner, green road to the future.

The Fraser Basin Council thanks our partners at Climate Change Central (Alberta) and Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (Fleet Challenge Ontario) for helping E3 Fleet flourish as a national program.

We also acknowledge our E3 Fleet Charter members: Auto-Gas Propane, BC Hydro, BC Ministry of Environment, City of Coquitlam, Corporation of Delta, Enbridge, City of Hamilton, Hydro One, City of Kelowna, Township of Langley, District of Maple Ridge, City of North Vancouver, Novex Couriers, City of Prince George, District of Saanich, University of BC and Municipality of Whistler. We’ve enjoyed the journey so far, and it’s only just begun!

E3 Fleet in Brief

E3 Fleet is a Canada-wide program that helps public and private sector organizations green up their vehicle fleets. E3 Fleet offers information and tools to help you increase fuel efficiency in your fleet, reduce harmful emissions, manage expenses, and incorporate new technologies or fuels.

E3 Fleet offers Fleet Review and Fleet Rating, unique opportunities for members to boost fleet performance and receive recognition for their achievements.

E3 Fleet is a partnership program of the Fraser Basin Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability, with a focus on climate change and air quality, healthy watersheds and water resources, and sustainable regions and communities.

Reach Us

For more information on the E3 Fleet program, Plug-in BC and other green fleet initiatives, contact:

Charlotte Argue
Transportation Analyst
E3 Fleet / Green Fleets

Fraser Basin Council
1st Floor, 470 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1V5

T: 1-888-70-FLEET (1-888-703-5338)
E: