Most owner operators these days have some sort of APU or Auxillary Power Unit on their truck. The reasons for APU's are varied, and range from fuel savings to driver comfort. Driver comfort includes heat and air conditioning, as well as electricity for powering everything from a driver's laptop and television, to an Xbox or PS3 and refrigerator. APU's can be considered a necessity in some states where idling the truck is illegal for any amount of time, despite temperatures below freezing or above 100 degrees. California is one such state. Many drivers are in need of electricity in AC format (as opposed to DC) to run devices that they can not live without, such as a CPAP machine for help breathing while sleeping. With the rollout of CSA 2010 (or is it now CSA 2011?), many truck drivers are required to have some sort of breathing apparatus to help with sleep apnea.
Many new companies are sprouting up in the APU market. Some are powering their systems with diesel, while others are going "green" by using only electricity. Idle Free Systems, Inc in Warrenton Wisconsin is one such company using an all electric apu to help truck drivers stay comfortable while off duty. Their system differs from other electric apu's in several ways. ONe way is that the engine stays heated.
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