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Southwest Energy Efficiency Project Southwest Energy Efficiency Project

Truck Stop Electrification

Sapp Brothers Travel Center, Salt Lake City

Sapp Brothers Travel CenterIn 2007, the Sapp Brothers Travel Center, a truck stop in Salt Lake City located along I-215, was retrofitted with devices that eliminate semi-truck idling. These devices, called auxiliary power units (APUs) provide power to 51 parking spaces via a plug-in window adapter, allowing drivers to rest and stay comfortable while their engines remain off. The APUs save fuel and money while reducing the associated emissions that typically result from semi-truck idling during federally required breaks.

The APU device was created by IdleAire Technologies Corp., based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Sapp Brothers project is a cooperative effort between IdleAire and the Utah Department of Transportation, which funded 80 percent of the project's installation cost.

The Sapp Brothers Travel Center was the first truck stop in Utah to offer the APU technology. Other facilities in Utah are considering installing the fuel-saving device.

Quick Facts

  • Total Project Cost: $850,400
  • Projected Annual Fuel Savings: 175,000 gallons of diesel fuel
  • Projected Annual Cost Savings: $580,000
  • Projected Cost Savings After 15 Years: $6.3 million
  • Benefits:
    • Saves energy
    • Eliminates noise associated with idling
    • Eliminates particulate and other emissions from diesel exhaust

Source: Utah Department of Environmental Quality, 2007; IdleAire Technologies Corporation, 2007
Pictured: IdleAire system installed at Petro Travel Center, Knoxville, Tennessee