Battery vs. Diesel: Best APU Unit for Truck Drivers
Posted by rp@heatso.com on 10th Mar 2025
Every year, most long-haul truck drivers spend up to 300 days and nights on the road. That means they spend around 80% of their time in the truck. So how do truckers stay comfortable during long breaks without letting their engines run?
Comparing APU Units for Trucks: Battery vs. Diesel Models
Every year, most long-haul truck drivers spend up to 300 days and nights on the road. That means they spend around 80% of their time in the truck. So how do truckers stay comfortable during long breaks without letting their engines run?
Auxiliary power units (APUs) provide the answer, offering power for truck heating, cooling, and other essential functions without idling the engine.
Which is better, a battery-powered or diesel-powered APU in a truck? Let’s explore the options to find the best fit for your needs.
What is an APU in a Truck?
An APU device is installed in trucks and provides power for cooling, heating, and many other devices, such as laptops, phones, TVs, electric stoves, and more.
The main purpose of the auxiliary power unit is to offer an energy-efficient alternative to truckers who otherwise rely on engines to provide power. It reduces fuel costs, maintenance costs, and penalties for idling violations.
Benefits of Using Truck APU Systems
Improved Comfort
Truckers can keep their cabins comfortable with APUs, regardless of the weather. During mandatory breaks, this ensures better rest quality. Having a home-like environment on the road is vital to truckers' well-being.
Cost Savings
Idling reduces fuel usage, which saves money in the long run. A diesel truck can consume around 1 gallon of fuel per hour while idling, which can add up over time.
Environmental Impact
APUs that run on batteries, in particular, help reduce emissions and meet various anti-idling rules. By using these truck APUs, drivers can avoid hefty fines, which can reach up to $10,000 in some states.
Reduced Truck Maintenance
One of the biggest downsides of truck idling is that it wears out your engine faster. Many parts can get damaged over time, including the cylinders and exhaust systems.
As a result, truckers have to pay thousands for repairs and maintenance. Choosing an APU system for trucks can minimize or prevent idling damage.
Types of APUs
In today's market, two types of auxiliary power units are available that reduce idling. We'll examine them in detail below along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Battery-Powered APUs
To supply and store energy, battery-powered APUs use a bank of batteries. These batteries are usually charged while the truck is running or when connected to an external power source.
Battery APUs are typically quieter than diesel units and produce no idling emissions. However, in comparison with diesel APUs, they may require recharging more frequently.
- Energy Efficiency: Battery-powered APUs rely on rechargeable batteries to power systems, making them highly energy-efficient.
- Eco-Friendliness: They produce zero emissions, meeting environmental standards.
- Silent Operation: They're quieter than diesel APUs, providing a more peaceful rest environment
Diesel-Powered APUs
Among truck APUs, diesel-powered models are the most popular. They let truckers run several appliances on top of heating and cooling systems without the need to keep the engine running. As long as there is diesel in the fuel tank, diesel APUs can supply continuous power.
Diesel truck APU unit saves truckers approximately 75% in fuel consumption compared to idling. Diesel APUs, however, require frequent oil changes and part replacements.
- Reliability: Diesel APU unit for truck operate using a small diesel engine, ensuring consistent power.
- Fuel Dependency: They consume additional fuel and produce emissions, making them less eco-friendly than battery models.
- Power: Diesel APUs allow truckers to power a wide range of appliances, including microwaves, televisions, power tools, and machinery.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an APU Unit for Your Truck
There's no doubt that auxiliary power units are a great addition to any truck. They're a good alternative source of energy for truckers.
APUs also make trucks more fuel efficient and last longer. However, there are certain things you need to consider before purchasing and installing one for your truck.
Compatibility
You'll want to make sure the APU fits your truck's specifications. For example, bigger vehicles may benefit more from diesel-powered APUs, as opposed to smaller trucks that can make use of battery-powered units.
Budget
While battery-powered APUs may have higher upfront costs, they are often more cost-effective in the long run. As they use less fuel and cost less to maintain, they're a great investment.
Most APUs cost anywhere from $7000 to $12,000, depending on the type, quality or brand.
Maintenance
Typically, battery-powered APUs do not require as much maintenance as diesel-powered units, which have a lot more mechanical parts. Diesel APUs require regular oil changes, fuel filter replacements, and preventative maintenance, adding to operational costs.
Additional Gross Vehicle Weight
Some auxiliary power units can weigh hundreds of pounds, especially eco-friendly ones. From a cargo-hauling perspective, truck APU can add weight to a vehicle, so truckers need to haul less to avoid exceeding the maximum.
However, according to the US Government Publishing Office, trucks with APUs can exceed the maximum limit by 500 pounds in order to save fuel and reduce emissions. Truckers should still verify that these exemptions are valid in their state’s idling regulations.
Why Choose a Battery-Powered Truck APU Unit?
Battery APUs are primarily beneficial for reducing fuel consumption and complying with anti-idling regulations. Battery APUs don't require combustion and they don't produce emissions, so they're a better alternative to diesel.
In addition to saving fuel, reducing idling also extends the life of the truck's main engine and lowers maintenance costs. In addition, these APUs run quietly, so drivers can rest without hearing diesel engines. The importance of high-quality sleep for truckers cannot be overstated.
Battery-powered APU unit for truck contributes to sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Battery-Powered APU | Diesel-Powered APU |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | High | Moderate |
| Emissions | Zero | Produces emissions |
| Noise Levels | Silent | Audible |
| Maintenance | Low | Higher due to engine wear |
Why Fresco 9000 MaXX is the Best APU Unit for Trucks
The Fresco 9000 MaXX is a battery powered truck APU unit that reduces idling time, resulting in possible fuel savings of up to $10,000 per year per vehicle. Furthermore, it complies with no-idle regulations, therefore it's eco-friendly.
With a 9,000 BTU cooling capacity, the Fresco 9000 MaXX keeps drivers cool and comfortable. Its silent operation improves sleep quality, which is essential for long-haul truckers.
This unit supports advanced battery configurations like Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), delivering long-lasting performance. Lithium batteries provide longer run times, reducing the need for frequent recharging.
Fresco 9000 MaXX delivers a fast ROI, thanks to its low fuel consumption and compatibility with various truck models.
By investing in this advanced battery-powered APU, truck fleets can stay compliant, save money, and make their drivers happier.
Make Truck APUs a Long-Term Investment
APUs are an essential asset for the truckers. While both diesel and battery-powered APUs have their pros and cons, battery-powered units like the Fresco 9000 MaXX stand out for their energy efficiency, eco-friendliness, and driver comfort.
To learn more about the Fresco 9000 MaXX and how it can transform your trucking experience, contact Heatso today.
