Idle Reduction Benefits and Considerations
Reducing vehicle idling time saves fuel and money, cuts pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to U.S. energy security. Decreasing idle time can also reduce engine wear and associated maintenance costs, especially for heavy-duty trucks.
Saving Fuel and Money
Power for climate control and other essentials can be supplied by an auxiliary battery pack unit that fits neatly in a vehicle’s trunk.
Argonne National Laboratory estimates that more than one million long-haul heavy-duty trucks idle during required rest stops. As the trucks idle, they consume more than one billion gallons of fuel per year. In addition, thousands of work trucks idle to support jobs daily, and millions of passenger cars idle waiting in traffic or pickup situations. Accounting for all road vehicles, from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks, Argonne estimates that more than 6 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel combined are lost to idling every year. Even when fuel prices are as low as $2 per gallon, that wasted fuel translates into more than $11 billion annually—much of which could be saved with idle reduction technologies.
Cutting Harmful Emissions
Idle reduction strategies can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants. Idle reduction strategies also reduce noise pollution.
Increasing Energy Security
The United States remained a net exporter of petroleum in 2021 with exports surpassing imports, although imports of 8.47 million barrels per day remained an important part of balancing supply and demand for domestic and international markets. Overall, the transportation sector accounts for approximately 30% of total U.S. energy needs and 70% of U.S. petroleum consumption. Using idle reduction strategies to reduce petroleum consumption strengthens national energy security and reduces transportation energy costs for businesses and consumers.
Complying with Laws and Ordinances
Many states have idle reduction laws and incentives. In addition, many counties and municipalities have enacted idling restrictions. View Clean Cities IdleBase to access a database covering idling laws, from the local level to the state level spanning all types of on-road vehicles. For information specific to heavy-duty trucks, see the American Transportation Research Institute's Idling Regulations Compendium.
In some areas, heavy-duty trucks and trains are required to limit noise at night. By adopting idle reduction strategies and technologies, vehicle operators can comply with noise standards.
