Transtex, already established in the trailer aerodymaics technology space, made the leap into the tractor segment with the acquisition of DClimate in June 2024. The company is now bringing to market a lithium-ion powered electric auxiliary power unit (eAPU) from its DClimate division.
Dubbed the DClimate Lithium Pro, the system pairs a lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack with four starting batteries in a hybrid configuration. Bidirectional charging transfers charge between the lithium-ion and starting batteries while supporting wet-cell and AGM batteries to protect battery life and reduce the need for jump starts on the road.
Transtex says the new eAPU also promises several other advantages over traditional battery- or diesel-powered APU systems, including 4,000 charging cycles, a 10-year system life and 150 pounds of weight savings.
“Fleets are under pressure to reduce emissions, comply with anti-idling regulations and attract and retain drivers all while trying to maximize ROI,” said Matthew Desjardins, Transtex president. “The DClimate Lithium Pro was built with these challenges in mind.”
The energy-efficient DClimate Lithium Pro also has 6.7 kilowatt hours of extended run time, said Martin Duffy, head of Transtex’s DClimate division. “It offers more than 15 percent more energy per cycle than DClimate’s current solution, providing more capacity for auxiliary loads. This results in significant savings by reducing fuel costs and increasing operational efficiency.”
