Vanair Expands Class 8 Truck Power with Solar and Lithium Battery Tech

Key Details Vanair, owned by Lincoln Electric, is bringing its EPEQ electrified power platform to Class 8 trucks with flexible solar panels, 12-volt lithium batteries, and fast-charging solutions. The adhesive-mounted solar panels are just 1/8 inch thick and can flex to fit curved surfaces like cab roofs and trailers without traditional hardware. Why It Matters Fleet testing showed trucks with 500 watts of solar capacity experienced less than 1% idle time on weekends and cut battery replacements by roughly 70%. Battery failures cost fleets $700-$2,000 per replacement plus labor, making this solution financially attractive as trucks age in service longer. How It Works The solar system acts as a battery tender, maintaining charge during downtime and reducing engine idling. Unlike traditional glass panels, Vanair's mesh-style grid with over 2,100 conductive pathways generates power in low-light and cloudy conditions. The new ELiMent lithium batteries come in 100-Ah and 200-Ah sizes and pair with 1,000-3,000 watt inverters for onboard electronics and tool charging. Bottom Line Vanair reports up to 200% increases in battery life using these solar systems as tenders. The technology works on trailers too, powering refrigeration units and telematics systems.