LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Freightliner has introduced a new climate control system that maintains comfortable sleeper cab temperatures without relying on power from the engine. The company introduced its Bergstrom NITE (No-Idle Thermal Environment) system at the Mid-America Trucking Show. The new climate control system will be available on the Century Class S/T, Coronado and Columbia Class 8 models.

The NITE system, developed with Bergstrom, consists of a rechargeable battery system that supplies electricity to a hermetically-sealed air-conditioning unit and an auxiliary heater. Four deep cycle batteries power the system, which can deliver air-conditioning power of 3,500 BTUs. The heater is powered by diesel fuel and can produce 2,900 to 7,500 BTUs per hour. The heater requires less than one-tenth of a gallon of diesel per hour, Freightliner officials said. The entire system weighs about 345 lbs and can be controlled from inside the sleeper cab.

Terry Zeigler, vice-president of electrified systems with Bergstrom, said overnight idling accounts for about 25 per cent of all truck running time.

“Resesearch shows Class 7 and 8 trucks burn approximately US$6,000 in fuel and associated costs idling each year,” he said. “We’re pleased to partner with Freightliner Trucks to enhance the driving experience for our mutual, long-haul customers, and help them reduce their fuel costs at the same time.”

“The Bergstrom NITE system is designed to keep the sleeper compartment cool in hot weather and warm when it’s cold outside without relying on power from the engine,” added Freightliner president and CEO, Chris Patterson. “In addition to year-round temperature control, other benefits include savings on fuel and reduced engine wear by eliminating overnight idling.”