The trucking industry is notoriously tough. Fleet managers and truck company owners grapple with fluctuating and high fuel costs, maintenance costs, regulatory compliance, and the constant pressure to optimize routes for efficiency. Canada’s focus on sustainable development goals (SDG) puts pressure on the trucking industry to improve its reporting, metrics, and the environment. 

Sadly, battery technology has not kept up with technological advancements, so batteries need to be replaced frequently. A stranded truck due to a dead battery is costly in time and customer service. In addition, idling the truck's engine to generate electricity is inefficient and causes a lot of wear. Logistics companies do not want to spend a lot of money to improve their technology and SDG goals.

Powered by the sun, SolarTrack Pro technology tracks the trailer’s tire pressure, tire temperature, interior temperature and excessive braking, in addition to also tracking its location. This helps reduce fuel usage and costs, while reducing the risk that the container contents will be lost due to temperature issues. SolarTrack Pro reduces the environmental impact while being a cost-effective solution. SolarTrack Pro is easy to install on the side or roof of the trailer.  

Transportation companies can offer their customers cleaner and more reliable service with VALE. Companies and truck drivers benefit from solar power’s green energy. Thanks to K3’s innovative technology, it is now possible to meet a heavy-duty vehicle’s electricity demand with solar-powered clean energy using lightweight solar panels. VALE can reduce fuel usage by up to 5%, while helping batteries last longer. The safety features, which turn off the electrical system during a rollover or other emergency, also helps preserve the assets. The break-even period for the VALE investment depends on the user, but it should be less than three years.  

Both SolarTrack Pro and VALE help logistics companies meet their SDG goals.

SolarTrack Pro is a large solar-powered asset tracker using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for dry trailers and containers. The technology not only provides real time location and movement updates, but also wirelessly relays data such as the container’s interior temperature and humidity, and monitors the trailer doors. Without solar charging, the battery maintains its charge up to 320 days. Logistics companies can remotely access the dashboard for real-time data, even changing the interior container temperature remotely.   

With VALE, the solar panels on top of the trailer provide the truck with green electricity. This leads to a lower engine load, reducing fuel consumption. With solar power recharging the battery, it becomes unnecessary to idle to generate electricity. VALE lowers fuel consumption by up to 5% and extends truck battery life. VALE can also be used to charge additional devices such as liftgates and pallet jacks. Intelligent cloud communication gives the owner a clear view of VALE’s performance.

Our customers for SolarTrack Pro and VALE include: 

• Large logistics and trailer fleet companies 
• Distributors and trailer rental companies 
• Driver alliances 
• Individual truck owners

Any logistics company, from an individual truck owner to a large logistics and trailer fleet company, can benefit from K3’s technologies. These technologies help logistics personnel and fleet managers better manage their trailers, locations, load status, costs and maintenance.

Every trailer owner and operator should consider using K3 products, as they provide fuel savings, safety features, and visibility into trailer operations, helping to address sustainability goals.

Our products are easy to install with plug-and-play devices. 

SolarTrack Pro can be attached with magnets, screws, polyurethane or heavy duty tape. It can easily be moved to a different container as well, and send notifications if it is removed from an asset. 

VALE uses solar panels on top of the truck cab and/or containers, with the existing truck wiring left intact.

Every trailer owner and operator should consider using K3 products, as they provide fuel savings, safety features, and visibility into trailer operations, helping to address sustainability goals.

Our products require little servicing and maintenance. 

SolarTrack Pro’s battery needs infrequent changing, and is inexpensive to replace. 

VALE only requires service for installation. No maintenance is needed.

Several factors determine the amount of diesel fuel that a tire pressure monitoring device can help save: the current tire pressure, the vehicle's size and weight, driving conditions, and more.

Here's a general idea of how maintaining proper tire pressure can lead to fuel savings: 

Improved fuel efficiency: Properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance. Under-inflated tires create more friction with the road, requiring more energy (fuel) to move the vehicle.

Reduced fuel consumption: Maintaining the correct tire pressure can lead to fuel savings of around 3%. This figure can vary depending on the previously mentioned factors.

Extended tire life: Monitoring and maintaining proper tire pressure can also extend the life of your tires. This means fewer tire replacements, which can save you money and reduce the environmental impact of tire disposal.

Enhanced safety: Properly inflated tires also improve vehicle stability and handling, which can contribute to safer driving and potentially reduce accident-related fuel consumption.

To get a more precise estimate of fuel savings for your specific fleet and conditions, you may want to consult with the tire pressure monitoring device manufacturer or conduct a controlled test using the device to track fuel consumption before and after implementing tire pressure maintenance.

Additionally, many modern fleet management systems can provide real-time data on fuel efficiency improvements when combined with tire pressure monitoring.

The amount of diesel fuel you can save by reducing the usage of a truck's alternator through solar energy depends on several factors: 

Solar panel efficiency: The efficiency of your solar panels will determine how much energy they can generate. High-efficiency panels will generate more energy, which can offset the need for alternator charging.

Battery capacity: The capacity of your truck's batteries plays a significant role. Larger battery banks can store more solar energy and reduce the need for alternator charging.

Energy consumption: The amount of electrical energy your truck consumes while driving also matters. Trucks with high energy demands (e.g., refrigerated trailers) may benefit more from solar assistance.

Driving conditions: The type of routes and driving conditions your trucks encounter can affect how much they rely on alternator charging. Long-haul routes with limited stops may benefit less from solar charging compared to delivery routes with frequent stops. 

Solar panel size: The size of your solar panel installation matters. Larger panels can generate more energy, potentially further reducing alternator usage.

Geographical location: The amount of sunlight available in your region throughout the year affects how much solar energy you can harness.

System efficiency: The efficiency of your solar charging system, including the charge controller and battery management system, can impact overall performance.

It's challenging to provide a specific figure without detailed information about your truck's setup and usage. However, some studies suggest that solar panels on commercial vehicles can reduce fuel consumption by around 5% to 10%, depending on the previously mentioned factors.