Clarios Releases New Battery Technology to Reduce Idling
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ANAHEIM, Calif. — has released a battery-monitoring technology, IdleLess, that provides real-time insights on heavy-duty vehicles while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
, vice president of Clarios Connected Services. noted the solution can reduce engine idling time by up to 60%, saving $3,300 in annual fuel costs per vehicle. The company made the announcement April 27 before the start of the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo.
“With real-time battery monitoring, advanced algorithms and instant communication, drivers can confidently embrace idling reduction, knowing they have reliable insights at their fingertips,” he said.
The technology, which has been tested in Europe and is now available in the U.S. and Canada, utilizes a sensor that attaches to the battery terminal to collect information on voltage, current and temperature. The data is sent to the Clarios cloud via a cellular gateway for processing. Then, proprietary AI algorithms convert raw data into predictive insights on battery state of charge.
Cagatay Topcu (left) and Junior Barrettt discuss the IdleLess technology during an ACT Expo event in Anaheim, Calif. (Mindy Long for Transport Topics)
The predictive insights are converted into alerts that notify drivers on when to start and stop their engines to maximize fuel savings while minimizing the risk of a battery-related downtime event.
“We’re giving them insights into the current state of charge of that battery, then that lets them continue to pull energy off of the battery without having to turn the engine on,” said , director of product management for Clarios Connected Services.
IdleLess uses a subscription-based service that costs $43 per month and has a $500 installation fee.
Driver comfort is key, but professional drivers often idle because they think it is necessary to maintain the battery’s charge.
“We want to maintain in-cab comfort while eliminating guesswork,” said , global director of business development for Clarios.
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Barrett added that IdleLess will help change the way drivers and fleet managers understand and utilize battery power. The average absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries used today can be drawn down to 20% and still work, but most drivers in the industry are used to SLI (starting, lighting, ignition) technology, which only goes down to about 50%. “We’re actually teaching people how to utilize their batteries to the best of their advantage,” he said.
In addition to reducing fuel consumption, reducing idling cuts down on maintenance costs.
“You reduce wear and tear on the vehicle because, if you’re not idling it, you’re not putting on those hours on the engine and other components,” Yarnold said, adding that Clarios is working to develop automatic start-stop capabilities that would provide even more driver convenience.
“By collecting this data and having these insights, we can build on what we’re doing with idle reduction," says Clarios' Christina Yarnold. (Mindy Long for Transport Topics)
Class 8 tractors have from four to eight batteries, and Clarios also is working on solutions to monitor battery health and help fleets better spec the right number of batteries for their needs.
“I call it bespoke battery recommendations, or more customized, personalized battery recommendations based on not just the vehicle you’re driving, but how you’re driving,” Yarnold said. “By collecting this data and having these insights, we can build on what we’re doing with idle reduction to provide other solutions to other applications as well.”
As part of its road map, Clarios will explore offering monitoring of high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles.
“We want to be a one-stop shop with this technology,” Barrett said.
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