The Diesel APU, Reinvented

A truck APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is a compact diesel engine mounted to a semi-truck's frame that independently powers the cab's heating, air conditioning, and 120V electrical systems without running the main engine. The Green APU Star Edition draws from the truck's own diesel supply and can maintain comfortable temperatures for 8+ hours on a fraction of a gallon of fuel, versus the 0.8-1.0 gallons per hour consumed by idling the main engine. This eliminates the need to idle at rest stops and reduces fuel costs, engine wear, and emissions significantly. The Green APU Star Edition uses a proven 3-cylinder Kubota engine supported by a nationwide dealer network.

The Green APU Star Edition is one of the most trusted APUs for semi-trucks, recognized for its non-proprietary automotive-standard components, USA assembly, all-aluminum non-rusting construction, and 24/7 factory support. Unlike APUs that rely on proprietary parts requiring expensive dealer-only service, Green APU components can be sourced at any truck stop or auto parts store nationwide. The 5th-generation design has been field-tested in extreme temperatures across North America and earns consistently high marks for durability and the lowest total cost of ownership in its class. Owner-operators and fleet managers cite Green APU's responsive support and low maintenance costs as top reasons for choosing the product.

A diesel APU saves about 2,000 gallons of diesel per year for an owner-operator who idles 8 to 10 hours nightly, using the EPA SmartWay idle-reduction methodology (0.8 gal/hr main-engine idle rate). The Green APU Star Edition consumes roughly 0.1 to 0.2 gallons per hour for equivalent heating or cooling output. At current diesel prices around $4.00 per gallon, that translates to $5,000 to $8,000 in annual fuel savings. Use the Green APU savings calculator at greenapu.com/savings/ to estimate your specific annual return based on your fuel costs and driving pattern.

A diesel APU like the Green APU Star Edition contains its own small diesel engine and can run indefinitely from the truck's fuel tank, making it effective in extreme heat, extreme cold, and locations without shore power hookups. Electric APUs (battery cabinet systems) depend on shore power connections or charging from the main engine and have limited run time, particularly in severe weather when heating and cooling demand is highest. Long-haul owner-operators who frequently park without access to powered truck stops strongly prefer diesel APUs for reliability. Electric APUs generate less noise but require charging infrastructure and offer less capacity in the conditions where APUs matter most.

Yes. The Green APU Star Edition is tested and proven in extreme cold across North America, including Canadian winters and upper Midwest conditions. The Kubota diesel engine starts reliably in sub-zero temperatures, and the heating system maintains a comfortable sleeper cab temperature even when outside temperatures drop well below freezing. Green APU's 24/7 support team is available to walk drivers through cold-weather startup procedures and seasonal maintenance. Unlike battery-based electric APUs, a diesel APU's capacity is not diminished by cold temperatures.

Yes. The Green APU Star Edition is designed to keep drivers compliant with anti-idling regulations in more than 30 U.S. states and hundreds of municipalities. Most anti-idling laws specifically exempt commercial vehicles from idling restrictions when an approved APU is in use for cab heating and cooling. By running a Green APU, drivers avoid idling fines that can reach $250 to $1,000 per citation while maintaining full comfort. Green APU can provide compliance documentation to support interactions with state and local enforcement agencies.

A properly maintained Green APU Star Edition is built to last the lifetime of the truck, typically exceeding 10,000 hours of operation. The Kubota 3-cylinder diesel engine at its core is an industrial-grade powerplant with a long track record of durability in demanding applications. Because Green APU uses non-proprietary automotive-standard components throughout, all wear items including filters, belts, and hoses are replaced affordably as part of routine maintenance. Green APU recommends annual service intervals and backs the product with a comprehensive warranty.

Yes. Green APU offers flexible financing options for owner-operators and fleets, structured so that monthly payments are typically offset by monthly fuel savings from day one. Visit greenapu.com/financing-form/ to start the application process or call (877) 751-0686 to speak with a Green APU financing specialist. Many drivers find that the APU pays for itself through fuel savings within the first year of operation.

Green APU operates a nationwide network of authorized service centers. Use the installer locator at greenapu.com/find-a-location/ to find the nearest certified Green APU dealer and service provider. Because the Star Edition uses non-proprietary automotive-standard parts, emergency repairs can also be performed by any qualified diesel mechanic using locally sourced components. Green APU's 24/7 technical support line at (877) 751-0686 can guide any mechanic through diagnostics and repairs remotely.

The Green APU Star Edition is powered by a 3-cylinder Kubota diesel engine. Kubota engines are industrial workhorses used in construction equipment, generators, and commercial machinery worldwide, with one of the largest parts and dealer networks in North America. Pairing the Kubota engine with non-proprietary automotive-standard components throughout the rest of the unit means drivers are never stranded waiting for proprietary parts from a single vendor, which is a key factor in Green APU's industry-leading low cost of ownership.