Vanair, a Lincoln Electric Company, is expanding its electrified power equipment lineup with the launch of the EPEQ IM HVAC system, a factory‑integrated idle management solution designed to reduce engine wear, extend fleet lifecycles, and lower total cost of ownership.
The system is being showcased at ACT Expo 2026 in Las Vegas (May 4-6) and at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia (May 31-June 3).
With vehicle acquisition costs rising and replacement cycles stretching, fleets are under pressure to reduce the engine hours and “ghost miles” that accelerate depreciation. Vanair noted that every hour of idling can generate wear equivalent to 25 to 33 miles of driving, compounding maintenance costs and reducing resale value.
The EPEQ IM HVAC system addresses this by automatically shutting down and restarting the engine while maintaining cab comfort, helping fleets preserve capital investments and reduce unnecessary engine load.
Unlike traditional aftermarket idle‑reduction systems that rely on separate auxiliary HVAC units, the EPEQ IM HVAC integrates directly with factory heating and cooling components.
An auxiliary compressor ties into the OEM air‑conditioning system to circulate refrigerant through existing condenser and evaporator components, delivering cooled air through factory vents. For heating, a fuel‑fired auxiliary heater warms coolant flowing through the factory heater core and engine block, preventing cold starts that can accelerate diesel particulate filter degradation.
When the vehicle shuts down, the system automatically transfers electrical loads—such as headlights, blower fans, and interior lighting—from the starting battery to the EPEQ battery system. This prevents parasitic drain while maintaining full vehicle functionality. A thermostat monitors the cabin temperature and restarts the engine only when auxiliary systems cannot maintain comfort in extreme conditions.
The two‑module architecture reduces installation connection points by roughly 44 percent compared to multi‑component systems. Plug‑and‑play OEM‑style connectors eliminate the need to cut factory wiring, reducing installation time by up to 50 percent and minimizing failure points. All internal components are weatherproof, allowing flexible mounting options, including external bed placement for vehicles with limited interior space.
“We focused on eliminating the installation challenges and operational complexity that prevent fleets from adopting idle management technology,” commented 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.”
Fleet data shows the system’s impact. A Tennessee‑based quarry operation using EPEQ IM reduced daily fuel consumption from 10–15 gallons to two to three gallons per eight‑hour shift. At the state’s average diesel price, that equates to approximately $17,000 in annual fuel savings per vehicle.
Idle reduction also extends oil‑change intervals, reduces wear on engine mounts and exhaust components, and delays major service events. With the IRS mileage rate attributing roughly 35 cents per mile to depreciation, reducing idle‑generated ghost miles helps fleets retain higher resale values.
The baseline 48‑volt, 5‑kilowatt‑hour ELiMENT battery provides several hours of climate‑controlled operation depending on ambient conditions, with additional batteries available for extended runtime. Vanair optimized the system using state‑by‑state heat‑load analysis to ensure reliable performance across 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.”
The system reflects two years of development following Vanair’s 2024 acquisition of Grip Idle Management, whose patented technology informed the redesign. Production units are expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2026, with compatibility across a wide range of vehicle makes and configurations.
Vanair offers a comprehensive line of vehicle‑mounted air compressors, generators, welders, hydraulics, electrified power equipment, chargers, boosters, engine starters, EV chargers, and custom products, making it one of the most extensive Mobile Power Solution providers in the world. Based in Michigan City, Indiana, the company supports global customers with rugged, reliable equipment designed to enhance efficiency and productivity across demanding applications. For more information, visit www.vanair.com.