Vanair, a Lincoln Electric company, is showcasing its EPEQ IM HVAC system at ACT Expo 2026 and the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference. The system is designed to reduce unnecessary engine idling, helping fleets lower maintenance costs, reduce vehicle wear, extend service life, and cut emissions.
The company said the system addresses growing concerns over rising vehicle acquisition costs and extended fleet replacement cycles. According to Vanair, every hour of engine idling can create wear equivalent to 25 to 33 miles of driving, increasing maintenance costs and accelerating depreciation.
Factory HVAC Integration Simplifies Installation
Unlike aftermarket systems that require separate HVAC units, the EPEQ IM HVAC integrates with factory heating and air-conditioning components. For cooling, an auxiliary compressor works alongside the OEM air-conditioning system and uses factory vents for climate control. For heating, a fuel-fired auxiliary heater warms coolant through the factory heater core and engine block.
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 to prevent battery drain. An internal thermostat monitors cab temperature and can automatically restart the engine if auxiliary systems cannot maintain conditions in extreme weather.
The company said the system’s two-module architecture reduces installation connection points by about 44% compared to traditional idle management systems. Plug-and-play OEM-style connectors also reduce installation time by as much as 50% while minimizing wiring modifications.
Centralized Controls and Automated Idle Management
The system operates through a 4.3-inch display that serves as a central control interface for idle management, battery status, compressors, and other EPEQ equipment.
Managers can set automatic shutdown timers to support compliance with anti-idling regulations. The system is designed to reduce reliance on operator intervention and help fleets meet local idling restrictions.
“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.”
Designed to Reduce Operating Costs
Vanair cited data from a Tennessee quarry operation using EPEQ IM that reduced fuel consumption from 10-15 gallons to 2-3 gallons per eight-hour shift. According to the company, that equates to roughly $17,000 in annual fuel savings per vehicle.
The system is also designed to reduce engine wear, extend oil change intervals, and delay major maintenance events by lowering idle hours. The baseline 48-volt, 5-kWh ELiMENT battery supports several hours of engine-off climate control, with additional batteries available for longer runtime requirements.
“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.”
Production Planned for Late 2026
Vanair said the EPEQ IM HVAC system incorporates technology from Grip Idle Management, which the company acquired in January 2024. The current system reflects roughly two years of development integrating Grip technology with the EPEQ platform.
Production units are expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will support a range of vehicle makes and configurations.
