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Mesilla Valley Transportation Adopts Solar Power Systems

by Jake Tully - Published: 8/08/2017

In continuing with the rising popularity of environmental consciousness within the trucking industry, Las Cruces, New Mexico-based fleet Mesilla Valley Transportation has reportedly purchased nearly 1,000 eNow energy systems for the trucking company’s current Navistar-oriented fleet.

Both Mesilla Valley Transportation and energy solutions company eNow will reportedly showcase the solar auxiliary power systems at the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) “Run On Less” program slated for September 5th through September 23rd of this year.

eNow reports that the collaboration with Mesilla Valley Transportation stems from the energy company’s growing presence in the trucking industry and demonstrations from Navistar Fleets in relation to Department of Energy goals set for commercial vehicles.

Mesilla Valley Transportation CEO and President Royal Jones reports that the trucking company has been searching for systems to improve vehicle efficiency, having tested multiple systems within their fleets.

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"We're always looking for innovative, more effective and efficient ways to operate," said Jones. "Our daily idle time is less than 6% on the whole company fleet and we utilize electric APUs 100%. Over time we had noticed shortened battery life and shortened alternator life due to the demand on batteries and the fact that we run eight batteries."

eNow reports that the results from implementing the solar systems within the Navistar fleets at the company have showed conclusive outcomes over the course of several diverse road conditions.

Mesilla Valley Transportation also reports that the daily run time for auxiliary equipment in the trucks has increased, as has the battery life in trucks and nearly 3 gallons of fuel per day.

According to eNow, the results from testing the systems at Navistar Proving Grounds along with testing conducted at Mesilla Valley Transportation led the trucking company to purchase the eNow systems for their fleets.

Jeff Flath, President and CEO of eNow reports that the success of his company’s systems may lie in the fact that many entities in the trucking industry are attempting to reduce expenditures and operate with the livelihood of the environment in mind.

"These are exciting times for the transportation industry," said Flath. "Everyone is looking at ways to reduce cost, improve efficiency, and help the environment, simultaneously. We are about saving fleets money with our technology first and foremost. However, we also believe that leaving the environment in better shape than we found it is critical as well."