Modular Truck APU System for No-Idle Cooling, Cabin Power and Backup Energy | CoolDrivePro
CoolDrivePro builds a modular truck APU — one integrated stack of parking AC, LiFePO4 battery, inverter and parking generator for no-idle cooling, cabin power and backup energy on semi sleeper cabs and heavy-duty trucks. Compare Cooling, Battery, Comfort Power and Hybrid APU kits.
How long a modular truck APU runs on battery
Reference runtime for a CoolDrivePro Battery APU Kit (24V / 200Ah LiFePO4 + 12,000 BTU parking AC). Real runtime depends on cab insulation, set-point and fan speed.
| Condition | Battery runtime |
|---|---|
| Mild night — 70 °F / 21 °C, low fan | 12+ h on AC mode |
| Typical summer night — 85 °F / 30 °C, mid fan | 8–10 h on AC mode |
| Hot night — 95 °F / 35 °C, mid-high fan | 6–8 h on AC mode |
| Extreme heat — 110 °F / 43 °C, high fan | 4–6 h on AC mode |
| Mixed cabin loads (AC + fridge + inverter) | 6–9 h depending on inverter draw |
| Recharge while driving | ≈ 2–3 h at highway alternator output via DC-DC charger |
| Recharge from shore power (110/220 V) | ≈ 4–5 h from 20% to full |
Sources for idle, fuel and regulation claims
We anchor cost, idle-hour and state-rule numbers on this page to public government and industry data so fleet buyers can verify them.
- U.S. DOE AFDC — Idle Reduction for Heavy-Duty Vehicles — Long-haul tractors idle on the order of 1,800–2,400 hours per year and burn roughly 0.6–1.0 gallons of diesel per idle hour.
- U.S. EPA SmartWay — Idle Reduction Technologies — EPA documents APUs and other idle-reduction technologies as the compliant way to cut sleeper-cab idle fuel use and emissions.
- U.S. DOE AFDC — State Idling Regulations — Tracks the 30+ U.S. states and many local jurisdictions that restrict heavy-duty idling, the time limits and the typical penalties.
- California ARB — Heavy-Duty Vehicle Idling ATCM — California's 5-minute idle rule and the APU certification requirements that apply to in-state sleeper-cab operation.
- Argonne National Laboratory — Long-Haul Truck Idling Burns Fuel and Money — Federal lab analysis behind the ~$1,800/year idle fuel cost figure and the engine wear equivalence (about 1 idle hour ≈ 33 highway miles).
- ATRI — An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking — American Transportation Research Institute annual cost-of-trucking report used to sanity-check fuel and maintenance figures cited above.
Truck APU — frequently asked questions
How long can a parking AC run on battery?
Typical CoolDrivePro Battery APU runs 8–10 h at 30 °C ambient with the AC on cooling mode. Runtime drops in extreme heat (50 °C) to 5–6 h and extends to 12+ h in milder conditions or with lower-fan setpoints.
Do I need a generator?
No, if you park 8–10 h between drives and recharge while driving. Yes, if you park 12+ h, run heavy cabin loads, or operate where temperatures regularly exceed 45 °C.
Is a battery APU compliant in California?
Yes. Battery APUs (zero on-board emissions) are compliant in all anti-idling states, including CARB-regulated California. Diesel APUs must be CARB-certified to operate in CA.
Will the APU drain my starter battery?
No. The APU battery is isolated from the starter battery by a DC-DC charger. The starter battery is never used for cabin loads.
How long does installation take?
Most kits install in 4–8 hours by a qualified upfitter. Hybrid kits with generator can take 8–12 hours.
What’s the warranty?
Standard 1-year warranty on all modules. Extended warranty available on request.
Can I upgrade later from battery-only to hybrid?
Yes — that’s the point of modular. Add the parking generator and controller without re-wiring the rest.