New Hampshire’s largest truck stop, Mega-X, is making efforts to reduce truck idling and air pollution. Located in Raymond, N.H., the truck stop will offer a convenience store, drive-thru coffee shop, 18 fuel pumps, and over 100 truck parking spaces.
In addition, the site will have nine plug-in power pedestals, providing 34 electrified parking spaces with electrical and cable TV attachments.
This project, the first of its kind in the state, aims to significantly reduce emissions and benefit both truckers and the environment.
“By providing truckers an external source of electricity, drivers taking their mandated 10-hour rest periods can use their vehicle’s cabin amenities (such as lights and air conditioning), space heaters and electronics without needing to idle the engine for power,” Scott told the DES executive council in a request for funds in September.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state’s Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund are providing funding for the electrification effort. The funding is a result of the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act, which supports projects that reduce harmful emissions from older diesel engines.
In 2017, New Hampshire received approximately $31 million from Volkswagen as part of a $15 billion settlement with the federal government. This settlement was reached after New Hampshire filed a complaint against Volkswagen for violating the Clean Air Act. The purpose of the funds is to support state-led projects that reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from vehicles.
Shorepower Technologies, a company based in Hillsboro, Oregon, has been contracted to install power pedestals at the future truck stop site. They offer truck stop electrification services for around 1,800 truck parking spaces at 60 locations across the U.S.
“Neighboring areas will benefit from a reduction in noise and vibration from the engines being turned off during these long periods,” Scott said. “Drivers utilizing electrified truck stops have also reported more restful experiences, which may aid in driver safety and driver retention, which is critical for easing ongoing supply chain burdens.”
Source: Land Line
