GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks is set to participate in a demonstration of mobile idle reduction technology (MIRT) systems for heavy-duty trucks. Volvo will partner with the North Carolina Solar Center at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in a two-and-a-half-year program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the SmartWay Transport Partnership.

The MIRT systems aim to reduce the amount of time trucks idle to provide power for cab heating or air conditioning, thus reducing emissions and diesel fuel consumption.

“With this program, Volvo and its partners are working to provide drivers with an effective and affordable way to run their heaters, air conditioning systems and other driver amenities, while saving fuel and reducing diesel emissions,” said Matt Kelly, executive director of marketing for Volvo.

As part of the program, Volvo will engineer an installation prep kit for MIRT systems. The prep kit will be installed by Volvo during assembly of the truck, and will be compatible with a number of different systems.

“By engineering a factory-installed method that accepts different mobile idle-reduction technologies, Volvo will make it easier and less costly for truck buyers to take advantage of the benefits of these components,” said Kelly.

Volvo will install the prep kits in at least 20 trucks and assist NCSU in obtaining data on operator and fleet usage of the MIRTs during the program.