Ruan to Be First to Roll Out Clarios IdleLess Battery System
9 Other Fleets Currently Testing the Technology
Key Takeaways:
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems will be the first fleet to deploy Clarios’ IdleLess battery-monitoring technology following a successful 50-truck pilot program.
- The Iowa-based carrier plans to equip 700 trucks within 90 days and complete the full rollout in six to nine months to cut idling, fuel use and emissions.
- Clarios said the system can save fleets up to $4,500 annually through reduced fuel costs and downtime, with additional pilot programs underway with nine other carriers.
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SAN DIEGO — Ruan Transportation Management Systems will be the first fleet to deploy Clarios’ IdleLess battery-monitoring technology, the battery specialist said Oct. 27.
Des Moines, Iowa-based Ruan is deploying the technology system — which aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions — after running a 50-truck pilot program over the summer, executives said during a briefing at the American Trucking Associations 2025 Management Conference & Exhibition.
Ruan, which operates more than 3,500 power units and 9,500 trailers, will begin deploying IdleLess in phases, with expansion planned alongside driver training programs.
The carrier plans to deploy the system to 700 trucks over the next 90 days and complete the rollout within six to nine months, Clarios Global Director of Business Development Junior Barrett told Transport Topics on the sidelines of MCE.
Ruan initially deployed the system on 10 trucks for 30 days during the pilot, before widening its use to 50 trucks, Barrett said.
“This agreement reflects the growing demand for intelligent energy solutions in commercial transportation,” said Cagatay Topcu, vice president, Connected Services at Clarios. “We’re proud to partner with Ruan to support their operational goals and sustainability strategy through our Connected Services platform.
“Ruan is an industry leader in fleet technology adoption, and our partnership has already enabled the development of solution enhancements, increasing value for fleet operators, maintenance managers and drivers,” Topcu said.
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Clarios first unveiled IdleLess for North American customers in April ahead of the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo.
The system monitors battery charge levels, sending alerts on when to start or stop the engine to maintain optimal battery health. It cuts unnecessary idling, lowers fuel consumption and extends battery life, according to Clarios.
Clarios is currently conducting nine additional pilot tests with carriers, Barrett said.
IdleLess can reduce carriers’ costs by as much as $4,500 a year, Clarios Director of Product Management, Connected Services Christina Yarnold said during the briefing, with $3,300 of that figure from fuel savings and $1,200 from unplanned downtime.
“It minimizes the risk of a downtime event. A battery doesn’t tend to fall off a cliff. It tends to go from green to yellow to red,” she said.
Fleet managers can check battery performance on a weekly basis, and these checks can be carried out through whatever telematics system the carrier uses, she said, adding that maintenance can therefore be part of regular scheduled preventive rolling stock care.
