12 SERVICE TRUCK Pulse March 2026 13 SERVICE TRUCK Pulse March 2026 AUXILIARY POWER SYSTEMS ANDREW JOSEPH, EDITOR In the world of mobile maintenance and field service, you gotta have power. Power is everything. Whether it’s running diagnostic tools, powering welders, or lighting up a remote job site, service trucks rely on auxiliary power systems to keep crews working. And as technology advances, so do the options available to fleet managers and technicians. From traditional diesel generators to lithium‑ion battery banks and PTO‑driven underdeck systems, auxiliary power is undergoing a rapid transformation. Environmental regulations, fuel‑efficiency goals, and the push for quieter, cleaner job sites are accelerating the shift toward smarter, more sustainable solutions. Shifting to Cleaner, Quieter Power For decades, auxiliary power came from diesel‑powered generators or simply idling the truck’s engine. But with all of the anti‑idling rules tightening across North America and fuel prices remaining unpredictable, fleets are turning to alternatives that reduce emissions, noise, and operating costs. Electric and hybrid auxiliary power units (APUs)—especially lithium‑ion systems—continue to gain traction. They offer high energy density, fast recharge times, and zero emissions at the point of use. According to a market report by Visionary Data Reports, the global truck APU market is projected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2025 to $4.2 billion by 2033, driven by demand for cleaner, more efficient solutions. Carrier Transicold’s ComfortPro Lithium-Ion Electric APU, for example, delivers extended runtime and minimal maintenance, making it ideal for long-haul opportunities and field service applications. Dragonfly Energy’s Battle Born All-Electric APU uses LiFePO4 chemistry and offers wireless monitoring, fast charging, and ROI in under two years. Comparing Traditional vs. Hybrid Setups Traditional Systems: • Diesel Generators: Reliable and powerful, but noisy and emissions-heavy. • Engine Idling: Convenient but costly in fuel and wear. Modern Alternatives: • Lithium-Ion Battery Banks: This technology is quiet,, clean, and increasingly affordable. Ideal for intermit- tent or overnight use. • Inverter Systems: Convert DC from the truck’s battery to AC power. Best for light to medium loads. • PTO-Driven Systems: Use the truck’s engine to power compressors, generators, and hydraulic systems with out separate engines. Vanair’s PTO-driven underdeck systems are a prime example. Their ALL-IN-ONE Power System combines air, AC power, welding, and hydraulics in a single unit that is safely mounted under the truck, freeing up bed space and reducing weight. VMAC is another leading manufacturer of auxiliary power systems for service trucks. Their Multifunction Power Systems offer up to six power sources in one compact unit, including an air compressor, generator, welder, battery booster/charger, PTO/hydraulic pump, and cold climate kit. VMAC’s DTM70 and DTM70-H are the only direct-transmission mounted PTO-driven air compressors and multi-power systems available, making them ideal for fleets looking to save space and reduce weight. Other notable manufacturers include: • MEPS (Mobile Electric Power Solutions): This company specializes in belt-driven AC power systems like Road- Power and MobilePower, known for onboard integra- tion and reliability. • American Power Systems (APS): Provides high-output alternators and power conversion systems for special- ty and fleet vehicles, often custom-engineered for mission-critical environments. How service trucks are evolving with smarter auxiliary power systems From lithium‑ion battery banks to PTO‑driven underdeck systems, service trucks are embracing cleaner, quieter, and more efficient auxiliary power solutions. AUXILIARY POWER SYSTEMS Just–Super/iStock/Getty Images Plus Photo Lithium solid-state batteries for electric vehicles are continuing to evolve, and so the technician must continue to evolve with the technology. • ROYPOW: Offers 48V lithium-ion APU systems with so- lar integration and remote monitoring, designed for hotel loads, HVAC, and electrification in sleeper cabs and mobile platforms. • Emerging APAC manufacturers: New entrants in the lithium‑battery APU space are expanding global com- petition, particularly in hybrid and electric platforms. How About Some Context Why does all this matter? Well, there are some state-wide regulations in play, even if there isn’t a singular federal rule. Anti-idling regulations vary by region, but note that many states and provinces have strict limits on how long a vehicle can idle. For example, California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) enforces a five-minute idling limit for diesel vehicles, with fines up to $300 per violation. In the Canadian province of Ontario, regulations cap idling at three minutes. Auxiliary power systems help fleets comply by providing off-engine power for tools and climate control. Lithium-ion battery banks typically use LiFePO4 chemistry for safety and longevity, offering 2,000–5,000 charge cycles. Inverter systems range from 1,000 to 5,000 watts, suitable for powering laptops, lights, and small tools. PTO-driven compressors like VMAC’s DTM70 deliver up to 70 CFM at 175 PSI, while generators in multifunction systems can produce 6–10 kW of AC power. How about cost versus return on investment? We’ve found that lithium-ion APUs can cost between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on capacity and features, while PTO-driven systems range from $10,000 to $20,000. Despite the upfront investment, fleets often see ROI (return on investment) within a period of just 18–24 months through fuel savings, reduced engine wear, and lower maintenance costs. VMAC reported that its systems can reduce vehicle weight by up to 500 lbs, improving fuel economy. Many auxiliary power systems now integrate with fleet telematics platforms like Geotab, Samsara, and Verizon Connect. These systems allow managers to monitor power usage, schedule maintenance, and receive fault alerts remotely. Predictive analytics can identify failing components before breakdowns occur, improving uptime and reducing emergency repairs. Switching to electric APUs can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 10 metric tons per vehicle annually. This supports fleet sustainability goals and helps meet carbon neutrality targets. Quiet, emissions-free operation also makes these systems ideal for urban job sites and LEED-certified projects, where noise and air quality are tightly regulated. Fleets across industries are finding creative ways to integrate auxiliary power with their real-world solution: • Utility Fleets: Fleet Electric is a company that special- izes in inverter installations for underground utility and fiber-splicing vehicles, enabling AC power for tools and testing equipment without idling (www. fleetelectric.com/industries-served-current/utility-fleet- inverters-upfitting/). • Construction & Mining: PTO-driven systems power pneumatic tools and hydraulic lifts, reducing the need for tow-behind compressors. • Agriculture: Tractors and service trucks use PTOs to run sprayers, pumps, and augers, all the while maxi- mizing engine utility. Beyond utilities and construction, auxiliary power systems are used in oil and gas for powering tools at remote drilling sites, in municipal fleets for sewer inspection and road maintenance, and in telecom for mobile splicing labs and tower service trucks. Each application benefits from reThe VMAC DTM70 air compressor is a direct-transmission mounted PTO driven air compressor that provides up to 70 CFM. Photo courtesy of VMAC
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