Reducing emissions from commercial trucks; charging station for Wash.

Idle power
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit from Delphi Automotive for its potential to reduce diesel emissions from heavy-duty commercial trucks. Drivers usually idle a truck's main engine to power equipment in the cab such as a TV and microwave. Delphi's unit uses diesel fuel from the truck's tank to generate electricity for the cab.

Electric stop
The state of Washington recently began carving out the ground at the Custer rest stop, off southbound I-5 near Blaine, in an effort to install the electrical cables for electric-vehicle charging stations. Crews installed the basic infrastructure; the chargers will likely be installed by a private manufacturer this summer. The charging station is one of several stations that eventually will be available every 50 to 60 miles on I-5 from Canada to Oregon.

Sources: Wheelbase Communications, The Associated Press