Oct. 20, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

KENLY, N.C., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Big Boys Truck Stop in Kenly, N.C., today unveiled the East Coast's first Shorepower truck electrification stations that will reduce air pollution and save fuel. The Johnston County truck stop along Interstate 95 installed the new electrification stations to allow resting long-haul truck drivers to plug in to electricity to run their onboard amenities, such as TVs and air conditioning, instead of idling their engines.

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"We believe that even a local, family-owned truck stop can take the initiative to make a difference in this world," said Wendi Powell, manager of Big Boys Truck Stop. "We hope that others will also seek out green technology opportunities that protect the environment while advancing economic development in our state."

The truck stop electrification project is a partnership between Big Boys Truck Stop, Shorepower Technologies, Progress Energy, and Advanced Energy. It was made possible through a Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) grant, a three-year, $2 million initiative of the NC Solar Center at NC State University. CFAT is sponsored by the State Energy Office, Division of Air Quality, and Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds administered by the N.C. Department of Transportation.

"We are excited to bring this technology to the East Coast and appreciate the state and the project partners leading the way on this sustainability initiative," said Joe Licari, director of East Coast operations for Shorepower Technologies. "Every time I see the new stations, they remind me that something as simple as providing drivers with a plug can have such a large, positive impact on the community, environment and trucking industry."

Shorepower electrification stations provide easy access to 120- and 208-volt outlets that truck operators can use to run their onboard amenities when they are parked. Big Boys Truck Stop has installed six stations, each with the capability of providing electricity to four parking spaces.

The U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that professional drivers rest for 10 hours after driving for 11 hours. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a typical heavy-duty truck burns a gallon of diesel fuel every hour that it idles, which generates air pollution, including emissions that contribute to smog and fine particulate matter. Johnston County is one of 24 counties in the state that does not meet national ambient air quality standards, and technology and programs that reduce emissions are important parts of moving toward compliance.