Vanair, a Lincoln Electric Company, is showcasing its new EPEQ IM HVAC system at ACT Expo 2026 this week. The system protects fleet asset value by eliminating unnecessary engine idling, which accelerates depreciation, increases maintenance costs, and shortens vehicle service life, while reducing carbon emissions.

The EPEQ IM HVAC system will also be showcased at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC), May 31-June 3, in Williamsburg, Virginia, in several weeks. 

Reducing Ghost Miles & Engine Hours

Rising vehicle acquisition costs, Vanair said, are forcing fleets to extend rotation cycles beyond historical norms. 

The EPEQ IM HVAC addresses this challenge by reducing the ghost miles and engine hours that drive depreciation. 

Every hour of engine idling generates wear equivalent to 25 to 33 miles of driving, which compounds maintenance costs and reduces resale value. By automatically managing engine shutdown and restart while maintaining cab comfort, the system helps fleets preserve capital investments and extend vehicle lifecycles.

Simplified Design Uses Factory HVAC Components

Unlike aftermarket systems requiring separate auxiliary units, the EPEQ IM HVAC integrates directly with factory heating and air conditioning components. 

For cooling, an auxiliary compressor connects in parallel to the OEM air conditioning system, circulating refrigerant through existing condenser and evaporator components and delivering climate-controlled air through factory vents. 

For heating, a fuel-fired auxiliary heater warms coolant flowing through the factory heater core and engine block, maintaining cab comfort while preventing cold starts that accelerate diesel particulate filter degradation.

When the vehicle shuts down, the system automatically transfers electrical loads, including headlights, blower fans, and interior lights, from the vehicle’s starting battery to the EPEQ battery system, preventing parasitic drain of the battery while maintaining all vehicle functions. An internal thermostat continuously monitors cab temperature and automatically restarts the engine if auxiliary systems cannot maintain comfort during extreme conditions.

Reduced Installation Connection Points

The two-module architecture reduces installation connection points by approximately 44 percent compared to traditional multi-component idle management systems. 

Ignition and OBD integration uses plug-and-play OEM-style connectors with T-configuration rather than requiring technicians to cut factory wiring. This design reduces installation time by up to 50 percent, while minimizing failure points and maintaining wiring system integrity. All internal components are weatherproof, allowing flexible mounting including external bed placement for vehicles with limited interior space.

Unlike manual systems requiring operator intervention, the EPEQ IM HVAC operates automatically based on fleet-determined parameters. 

Managers can set predetermined shutdown timers ensuring consistent regulatory compliance without relying on individual operator behavior. Many municipalities now enforce strict idling restrictions with substantial penalties. New York City prohibits idling for more than one minute in school zones, with citizen reporting programs generating significant fines for non-compliant fleet operators.

Unified Control Across EPEQ Ecosystem

The system operates through a 4.3-inch display serving as the centralized control point for all EPEQ components. Operators access idle management, ELiMENT battery status, Air45 compressor, e-PTO hydraulic functions and other EPEQ equipment through a single interface. This eliminates the multiple displays and separate controls required by systems lacking integrated architecture.

“We focused on eliminating the installation challenges and operational complexity that prevent fleets from adopting idle management technology,” said Ralph Gee, idle management engineer at Vanair. “The two-module design with plug-and-play connections reduces installation time and failure points, while factory HVAC integration means crews get the same comfortable air delivery they’re accustomed to without added dashboard units.”

Measurable Business Impact

Real-world fleet data demonstrates substantial operational savings. One Tennessee-based quarry operation using EPEQ IM reduced daily fuel consumption from 10-15 gallons to 2-3 gallons per eight-hour shift. At the state’s average diesel price, this translates to approximately $17,000 in annual fuel savings per vehicle while maintaining full operational capability in demanding applications.

Beyond fuel savings, idle reduction extends oil change intervals, reduces wear on engine mounts and exhaust components, and delays major service events. The IRS standard 72.5 cents mileage rate includes approximately 35 cents per mile in depreciation costs. By reducing ghost miles accumulated during idling, fleets retain higher vehicle values and extend replacement cycles.

The baseline 48-volt, 5-kilowatt-hour ELiMENT battery provides several hours of climate-controlled operation depending on ambient conditions. Additional batteries extend runtime for applications requiring longer engine-off periods. State-by-state heat load analysis guided system optimization to ensure reliable performance across geographic regions and temperature extremes.

“This technology addresses the fundamental business challenge facing fleet managers today: vehicles cost more to acquire and must last longer in service,” said Chip Jones, national manager of Electrified Products Group for Vanair. “The EPEQ IM HVAC helps protect that investment by reducing the engine hours that drive maintenance costs and depreciation. At the same time, it solves the compliance problem by automatically managing idling without depending on operator behavior. For utilities facing storm response demands or contractors working in noise-restricted residential areas, it delivers the comfort and capability crews need while meeting the cost reduction goals the business requires.”

Development & Availability

Vanair’s commitment to idle management technology includes the January 2024 acquisition of Grip Idle Management, bringing specialized engineering expertise and patented technology that informed the EPEQ IM HVAC redesign. 

The current system represents approximately two years of development integrating Grip technology with Vanair’s EPEQ platform.

Vanair has patents pending, covering the system’s control interface integration and installation methodology. Production units are expected to start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2026. The system accommodates a wide range of vehicle makes, models and configurations.

Upcoming Public Presentations

Jones will present at ACT Expo 2026 on the main stage, discussing real-world fleet electrification results including the MidSouth Aggregate case study. This marks his third ACT Expo appearance and second main stage presentation. A running EPEQ IM HVAC demonstration will be available at the EUFMC event.