Clarios’ IdleLess wins Jim Winsor Memorial Technical Achievement Award for reducing engine idling

Clarios’ IdleLess electronic battery monitor recently received the Jim Winsor Memorial Technical Achievement Award from the North American Truck Writers. The company, which produces connected services and vehicle battery solutions, developed IdleLess to monitor vehicle batteries and alert operators when levels are low, helping fleets reduce fuel consumption and engine wear.

Clarios, which introduced IdleLess to North America after first marketing it in Europe, said the device can cut unnecessary idling by 60%, resulting in roughly $3,300 in annual fuel savings per vehicle. The monitor is particularly useful for drivers who rely on auxiliary power units overnight, as it helps maintain comfortable cabin temperatures without depleting battery levels.

The award, presented at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s Annual Meeting and Truck Exposition in Nashville, Tennessee, recognizes products that demonstrate technical excellence, practical applicability, and tangible benefits for commercial truck operators. IdleLess was selected from 12 nominees and emerged as the winner after a points-based voting process conducted by the truck writers committee, a group of truck industry writers, including a member of FleetOwner staff, based in the U.S. and Canada. 

“It’s genuinely rewarding to see IdleLess recognized by people who understand trucking and fleet operations,” said Chris Smith, fleet sales manager, who accepted the award at the TMC luncheon. “At Clarios, the goal was to build something that solves a real, everyday problem for fleets, and this award shows we’re on the right track.”