Some truckers traveling I-84 in Eastern Oregon can soon have an engine-off, quiet and fuel-efficient night thanks to a special project funded by the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Twenty-four electrified parking spaces are being installed at the Baker Truck Corral, just off Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon.
“We’re excited because Shorepower Truck Stop Electrification (TSE) benefits everyone,” said Jeff Kim, president & CEO of Shorepower Technologies. “Drivers and fleets save money and get improved working conditions, truck stops generate a new source of revenue and the general public gets cleaner air and less noise.”
The Baker City installation is the first of 50 truck stops around the country to get the Shorepower AC pedestals as part of a federally funded program to help reduce truck idling. According to Shorepower, qualifying truck stops can receive a complete TSE system at no cost; Shorepower handles everything from construction through grand opening. The program is being administered by Cascade Sierra Solutions, a Eugene, OR -based organization, in partnership with Shorepower Technologies under contract to the DOE.
Kurt Miller, owner and general manager of Baker Truck Corral, said offering the Shorepower stations is “just about taking care of our customers.” The plan is that “by having that service drivers will choose this stop for their breaks.” Truck stop owners and operators will share revenue generated by the pedestals.
“We’ll go from 400 to nearly 2,000 electrified parking spaces by the end of the project,” Jeff Kim said. “This represents the opportunity to save over 7 million gallons of diesel per year.”
The pedestals must be installed over the next 18 months, so Shorepower must select the remaining truck stop sites by September of this year. Truck stop owners and operators interested in participating in the program should contact Shorepower at (508) 925-0098 or email [email protected]
Once the pedestals are installed, drivers will be able to access 120 VAC, 208 VAC or 240 VAC power sources. Power will be sold at a rate of $1 per hour, and cable TV will be included at most locations, with wireless Internet available for an additional charge. Access and payment can be handled with a card, Smartphone, laptop or telephone activation system. A second component of the program is providing equipment-purchase incentives to about 5,000 vehicle owners who will commit to using the hook-ups to reduce engine idling.
“For truck stop and travel plaza operators, Shorepower offers a new way to build traffic, improve occupancy, and create a new revenue stream with little or no capital outlay,” said Dave Orton, marketing and communication manager with Cascade Sierra Solutions. “Adding a Shorepower system to your facility provides a business model based on cost-effective electric service, with low visual and physical impact and fast on-site installation. The automated payment and control system allows Shorepower to complete each transaction remotely and deliver services to drivers, without requiring any on-site personnel. Shorepower Technologies’ power stations can also be used for charging batteries on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.”
