LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has many in the trucking industry concerned about strict idle-reduction standards, which took effect Jan. 1, 2008.

Webasto Product North America announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show, that it received certification for several products that meet or out-perform CARB’s latest requirements. The company considers that its idle-reduction devices are in the forefront, to be certified for CARB and its new ULEV II (ultra low emission vehicle) for idling emissions reduction requirements.

Approved heaters include the WebastoAirTop 2000 S andAir Top 2000 ST compartment air heaters and Thermo Top Z/C (TSL 17) engine coolant preheater.

“Webasto’s most popular air heaters, sold as original equipment by a number of OE heavyduty truck producers, as well as through aftermarket channels, surpassed all emissions categories from CARB, and many measured in a range well below LEV II regulated levels,” said Don Kanneth, general manager of Webasto’s commercial vehicle division.

“For example, in one category, particulate matter (PM) output was so low, that you could theoretically park 25 Class 8 trucks outfitted with Webasto Thermo Top heaters, next to each other, and the combined emissions would still meet the CARB requirements for just one truck. We had other emission categories that tested even better.”

Specifically, the new CARB ULEV II regulation requires that all fuel-operated heaters must meet the new rules for any Class 3-8 truck registered in California, and those entering its state borders. The regulation also affects other commercial vehicles: those with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds.

Under CARB’s latest restrictions, no truck is allowed to idle more than five minutes, in nontraffic situations, in California.

A mandatory shutdown at the five-minute mark is also required. Because the main goal is to limit engine idling during mandatory rest-time for drivers, the new regulation expands beyond fuel-operated heaters to auxiliary power units, and any system which produces emissions during the shutdown period.

All idle-reduction devices must meet CARB’s exhaust gas limits on nitrous oxide, particular matter, carbon dioxide and other gases that are damaging to air quality.