Vanair introduced its EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment ecosystem to the Class 8 trucking market Sunday at the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting IN Nashville, offering fleets a battery-electric alternative to traditional auxiliary power units (APUs).
The modular system, which includes lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, inverters, and solar charging, is designed to reduce engine idling and lower maintenance costs as carriers face mounting pressure from aging equipment and rising electrical demands.
"Drivers need reliable heating, cooling, and electrical power without running the main engine," said Chip Jones, Vanair’s national manager of the Electrified Products Group. "What we bring to this market is not a single-purpose APU. It's a complete, integrated power ecosystem that scales to the application. Because every component is engineered to work together, fleet maintenance teams deal with one supplier and one phone call if there's ever an issue."
The expansion comes as rotation cycles for trucks, which previously averaged seven to 10 years, are stretching to 12 years or more. This longevity, combined with the increasing power draw from telematics, GPS, and in-cab entertainment, has made battery and electrical failures a frequent issue for maintenance teams.
Modular power and performance
The modular system, which includes lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, inverters, and solar charging, is designed to reduce engine idling and lower maintenance costs as carriers face mounting pressure from aging equipment and rising electrical demands.
For sleeper cabs, the system can power hotel loads for a full 10-hour period without engine idling. The batteries recharge via the truck’s alternator during transit or through shore power.
The company also introduced:
- 12-volt solutions: A new line of 100 Ah and 200 Ah batteries for day cabs and regional haulers where a full 48-volt system is unnecessary.
- EPEQ EPTO: A battery-driven hydraulic system providing up to 9 gallons per minute of flow for flatbed and tanker operations, allowing for the use of liftgates and pumps without idling.
Solar integration
Vanair is also positioning its patented EPEQ Solar Assist as a solution for parasitic power draw, which often drains batteries when vehicles are parked over weekends.
At 1/8-inch-thick, the EPEQ Solar Assist adhesive panels are designed to conform to cab fairings or trailer rooftops. Using shade-resilient mesh, the panels can produce energy even in partial shade or low-angle light. According to fleet data, solar battery tending can extend battery life by up to 200%, potentially eliminating one to two battery replacements per vehicle rotation cycle.
