Kenworth Truck Co. brought its no-idle message to Capitol Hill when the Kenworth Clean Power Technology Tour made a stop in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The Kenworth T660 spent the day on Capitol Hill to demonstrate the Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system to visitors from Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, American Trucking Associations and Truck Manufacturers Association, among others.
“The tour stop was very successful,” says Bob Christensen, general manager of Kirkland, Wash.-based Kenworth and Paccar vice president. “We thought it was important to show the Kenworth Clean Power on Capitol Hill as Congress studies legislation that includes financial incentives for the purchase of anti-idling equipment used in the trucking industry. We especially appreciate the support of Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) in helping to make this visit possible.”
Reichert, who represents the Eighth District in Washington state, is a co-sponsor of H.R. 139 (“The Idle Reduction Tax Credit Act of 2007”), which proposes a business tax credit for 25 percent of the cost of a qualifying idle reduction device.
“I am so proud to host an Eighth District company here in Washington, D.C., to showcase their leading technology,” Reichert says. “Their visit creates a buzz on Capitol Hill, not only for their trucks and system, but also by encouraging a bigger-picture discussion on the need for cleaner technologies to protect the environment and reduce our dependence on oil. This is yet another example of how Puget Sound is leading the country on market-based solutions to solving environmental problems.”
Kenworth Clean Power is in production as a factory-installed option for the aerodynamic Kenworth T660 with 72-inch AeroCab sleeper. Kenworth says Clean Power uses dedicated, advanced deep-cycle batteries that power a thermal storage cooler with 21,000 BTUs of cooling capacity; once the truck is shut off, a thermostat regulates the desired temperature, and a variable speed fan circulates chilled air through a duct located near the bunk. Extensive testing has shown that when the outside temperature is as high as 95 degrees, Kenworth Clean Power is able to keep the sleeper cool and provide accessory power for up to 10 hours, according to the company.
The technology tour includes the Bendix ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes from Bendix Spicer Foundation Brakes, Kenworth GPS Navigation, high-intensity discharge headlamps and Kenworth Driver Information Center.
