A fuel cell auxiliary power unit (FC-APU) is a fuel cell based auxiliary power unit on a vehicle that provides energy for functions other than propulsion.
[5] In 2008, a DOE sponsored partnership between Delphi Electronics and Peterbilt demonstrated that a fuel cell could provide power to the electronics and air conditioning of a Peterbilt Model 386 under simulated "idling" conditions for 10 hours.
This solid oxide fuel cell can directly accept diesel[6] using an integrated endothermic reformer.
[7] Delphi has said the 5 kW system for Class 8 trucks will be released in 2012,[needs update] at an $8000–9000 price tag that would be competitive with other "midrange" two-cylinder diesel APUs, should they be able to meet those deadlines and cost estimates.
[5] In 2013, DOE announced a similar project giving grants to Nuvera and Plug Power Inc., though this project is based on hydrogen-powered fuel cells.