Idling vehicles use up to several billion gallons of fuel and emit large quantities of air pollution and greenhouse gases each year.  Idle reduction strategies and technologies are critical to reducing petroleum consumption and emissions. 

What is Idle Reduction?

Idle reduction is typically used to describe technologies and practices that reduce the amount of time heavy-duty trucks idle their engines.  Truck drivers often idle their trucks during required rest periods to provide heat, air conditioning, or electricity for other applications.  New technology, however, including onboard and standalone systems can help reduce idling and diesel emissions. While much of idle reduction efforts focus on heavy-duty trucks, school busses and conventional vehicles should also engage in idle reduction strategies.  An estimated 600 million gallons of fuel are wasted each year by idling light- and medium-duty vehicles.  Reducing idle time saves fuel, engine wear, and money while reducing emissions and noise. 

Things Every Driver Can Do To Reduce Idling

• Turn off your engine when you are parked or stopped (except in traffic) for more than a minute.
• Consider the purchase of a hybrid electric vehicle, which limits idling at traffic stops.
• Avoid using a remote vehicle starter, which encourages unnecessary idling.
• Avoid drive-thrus: walk inside instead.
• Encourage your local schools to enforce a no-idle zone for school buses and personal vehicles.

Additional Information:

For further reading on the Benefits and Strategies of Idle Reduction for all vehicle classes visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/idle_reduction.html. 

For the publication Idling Reduction Network News visit http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/resources/fcvt_national_idling.html.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/)