Xantrex, a subsidiary of Mission Critical Electronics (MCE) and a leading supplier of inverters and inverter/chargers, has introduced a no-idle solution to the work truck market. Freedom e-GEN is a lithium-ion battery-based power system that can be requested as an OEM install with most truck upfitters or as aftermarket solution through Xantrex authorized dealers.

According to Matt Wodecki, Freedom e-GEN Sales Director, no idling benefits the environment and translates to reduced operating costs and increased productivity for fleet managers and operators.

“The chief advantage of Freedom e-GEN system for the work truck market is no longer being tied to a portable generator, or being required to idle your engine to power tools and equipment,” Wodecki said. “Freedom e-GEN provides virtually unlimited power to run job site tools, equipment and hotel loads for a significant amount of time without wasting fuel.”

The heart of the Freedom e-GEN system is a dedicated lithium-ion battery bank that offers twice the power capacity in the same physical size of a traditional deep-cycle battery. Available from 125Ahr to 1260Ahr as part of a fully customizable power generation system, Freedom e-GEN batteries last 6-8 times the life of traditional batteries, providing up to 6,000 charge-discharge cycles.

The Freedom XC Inverter/Charger converts DC electricity from the batteries into stable AC power. It is also power factor corrected to use AC current as efficiently as possible.

“Minimizing the AC current used by the charger means more current is available for your AC loads,” Wodecki said. “A generator produces a set amount of power whether it is needed or not, continuously wasting fuel while running. With Freedom e-GEN you only use the power that you need.

“Because the usual AC power sources, such as small generators, often have limited current availability, having the capability to manage your AC loads is extremely valuable,” Wodecki added.

The Freedom XC Inverter offers the added benefit of supplying up to 3,000 watts of continuous utility grade, true sine wave power — this is especially important for proper function of sensitive electronics such as laptops, utility test equipment and charging bases for power tools and two-way radios.

Regulated by the Xantrex Intelligent Battery Management System (BMS), Freedom e-GEN supports charging from both a second alternator (included) and shore power, offering flexibility and fast recharging. The addition of a Xantrex solar kit (or trickle charger) provides an unlimited source of power, that will ensure any vehicle parked for prolonged periods of time, will have fully charged batteries when needed.  

On the aftermarket, Freedom e-GEN is pre-engineered for fast, reliable plug & play installation. Xantrex also supplies on-site support and end-user resources to ensure a positive experience. According to Wodecki, initial investment is easily offset by savings in fuel, maintenance and battery replacements, and many work truck fleets achieve ROI within three years.

“Freedom e-GEN provides safe, clean, quiet onboard power with low operating costs,” Wodecki said. “Lithium-ion technology is feature-rich in terms of efficiency, functionality and usability. By having reliable mobile power crews can be more productive and stay out in the field longer.”

About Xantrex

Xantrex, a Mission Critical Electronics brand, is one of the most successful and popular brands of onboard AC power technology. Xantrex products are used in a variety of applications in the RV, marine, military, construction, emergency medical services, bus, work service vehicle and commercial truck markets. Xantrex pioneered the development of power inverters and battery chargers in the early 90s and has since created many category-defining solutions in variou

The city of Avondale (AZ) recently broke ground on Fire Station 175—a new, 17,000-square-foot station at Van Buren Street and 127th Avenue, reports AZBigMedia.com.

Due to open in February 2022, the $12.5 million station was designed by Perlman Architects of Arizona and constructed by Willmeng Construction.

The new digs will include three bays, office space and sleeping quarters, a kitchen/dining room, training room, exercise room, and a community room for public service outreach programs.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 21, 2021 – Following a year filled with worldwide strife – especially for first responders, frontline workers, and restaurants – Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation^® set a new record for the most money ever awarded in a single quarter. The $2.5 million in grants are going to 118 nationwide public safety organizations and will be put toward the purchase of critical lifesaving equipment.

“Just one year ago, the Foundation was unsure of the future in the face of COVID-19 lockdowns and restaurant dine-in restrictions. But thanks to Americans opening their hearts as the country closed down, lifesaving equipment is being put in the hands of first responders who desperately need it,” said Robin Peters, executive director, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

“We’re so thankful for the support from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs restaurant,” said John Cermak, Fire Chief, North Country Regional Fire Authority, and the grant recipient of a LUCAS 3 Automated Chest Compression System through the Foundation’s COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund. “The LUCAS device enables our first responders to give continuous, consistent chest compressions in cardiac resuscitations, providing the best chance to the citizens of our local community to survive a cardiac arrest. It will also improve the safety of the department’s first responders during COVID-19 by minimizing absorption of aerosolized virus particles during manual CPR.”

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awards grants on a quarterly basis which are given to first responders and non-profits that support community safety. A majority of the grants provided go toward purchasing lifesaving equipment for first responder organizations. Equipment examples include firefighter PPE (personal protective equipment) ($1,000-$1,300), thermal imaging cameras ($10,000), automated external defibrillators (AEDs) ($1,500), all-terrain vehicles ($20,000) and vehicle extrication tools ($25,000).

Since 2005, lifesaving equipment like this and much more has been awarded quarterly to first responder organizations thanks to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Established in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Firehouse Subs founders, Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen traveled to Mississippi where they fed first responders, as well as survivors. As they returned to Florida, exhausted and exhilarated, they knew more could be done, and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was born. Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $57 million in 49 states and Puerto Rico.

To learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation or donate online, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

ABOUT FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs Founders established the 501(c)(3), non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The charity provides funding resources, lifesaving equipment, prevention education, and training and disaster relief support to first responders and public safety organizations. Since inception, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $57 million to hometown heroes in 49 states and Puerto Rico.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is honored to be listed as a four-star nonprofit organization by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. This is their highest designation. Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. More than 70% of the funds raised for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation come from the generosity of Fi

The city of Colorado Springs (CO) is seeking bids for Fire Station 23, which will be located at the current fire headquarters building at 375 Printers Parkway, reports SoutheastExpress.org.

Bids are due by May 14 and the winning bid will be awarded on May 26, with a notice to proceed issued on June 4. The project—which will cost $5 million and is being funded with the issuance of certificates of participation—is expected to take up to a year to complete.

The new station will house Engine 23 and a crew of four.

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