VANCOUVER, B.C. — Made to withstand extreme weather conditions, a new inverter/charger from Xantrex Technology Inc. is available for Volvo VN and Volvo VT 880 heavy-duty trucks.

Mounted externally, Xantrex’s RM1012 AL is fully weatherproof and converts regular DC battery power into 120V AC of household power. Designed to operate devices such as televisions, microwaves and computers, the power source is ideal for long-haul trucks with sleeper cabs and eliminates the need to buy special 12-volt appliances or an auxiliary combustion generator.

“With high fuel prices, new widespread anti-idling rules and U.S. incentives for anti-idling equipment, we expect strong demand for auxiliary power units from truck owners,” said John Wallace, Xantrex chief executive officer.

Inverter/chargers reduce fuel consumption and emissions caused by idling of truck engines to generate electricity. The devices allow drivers to utilize on-board appliances while complying with anti-idling laws which have been adopted by many states in the U.S. in recent years.

The 2005 US energy bill has given special consideration to on-board anti-idling equipment, increasing the gross vehicle weight allowance of heavy duty trucks with such equipment by 400 pounds. Including all mounting equipment, Xantrex’s 75-pound unit comes in well below the 400-pound increase implemented by the US energy bill.