EcoSmart – The Demers anti-idle system
Ambulances consume a significant amount of energy, even when not moving. In many EMS services, engines remain running for minutes, sometimes hours, just to power onboard systems or maintain interior temperature. The result: wasted fuel, accelerated engine wear, and a hidden but very real cost.
EcoSmart is designed to address this reality. It automatically shuts off the engine when conditions allow, while maintaining all critical vehicle functions. The result: lower fuel use, less maintenance, and reduced emissions, without ever compromising vehicle readiness.
The benefits of the EcoSmart anti-idle system
Lower daily operating costs
By eliminating unnecessary engine idling, EcoSmart reduces fuel consumption by more than 40%. In operational use, that means annual savings of $1,500 to $2,000 per vehicle.
Longer engine life and reduced maintenance costs
Less engine time means less wear on critical components. The result: fewer service intervals, better fleet availability, and direct savings on long-term maintenance budgets.
Greener, more sustainable operations
Each EcoSmart-equipped ambulance prevents nearly 4.5 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, while significantly reducing idle noise, a real advantage for patient comfort, medical staff, and surrounding communities.
Automatic management
Battery voltage and patient compartment temperature are constantly monitored. The engine restarts only when needed, ensuring critical functions remain stable with no action required from paramedics.
Long-term fleet value
By limiting engine hours, EcoSmart helps extend the service life of the chassis and the vehicle. The result is a higher resale value and more effective long-term asset lifecycle management for your fleet.
Integrated with the Demers ecosystem
Compatible with both traditional multiplex and the MMC, EcoSmart adapts to various control configurations (touch screen or keypad) without compromising ergonomics or ease of use.
How EcoSmart anti-idle works
EcoSmart activates automatically when certain conditions are met: the vehicle is stationary (0 km/h), in Park mode, engine running, hood closed, emergency lights off, and idling for at least seven minutes.
Once active, the system shuts down the engine if battery voltage is sufficient and the interior temperature is stable. If temperature shifts beyond ±2°C or voltage drops below the minimum threshold, the engine restarts to restore balance. This cycle maintains full readiness while minimizing unnecessary idle time.
Electrical systems remain active during engine-off periods. Heating and air conditioning resume only when the engine restarts.
User guide
A detailed guide is available in our Expertise Hub to help paramedics activate, operate, and manage EcoSmart in daily use.
A solution born from the field, validated by the industry
EcoSmart was first developed in response to a real challenge identified by Toronto EMS, one of Canada’s largest municipal paramedic services. In a dense urban environment, ambulances often spend extended standby periods, with engines running only to keep systems active, causing high fuel consumption and premature wear.
Demers designed an automated, safe, and sustainable solution. The first version launched in 2010 on the Mystère MX 160 ECO model, earning the Top Innovation Award from EMS World for its impact on energy efficiency, fleet management, and greenhouse gas reduction.
Since then, EcoSmart has evolved, been widely adopted, and received industry praise. Its journey, from a field-identified challenge to international recognition, reflects Demers’ approach: listen, design, and deliver concrete, useful, and sustainable solutions.
Looking to integrate
anti-idle into your ambulance fleet?
Anti-idle technology is continually evolving.
EcoSmart laid the foundation for intelligent idle management. Today, this approach is evolving into a new generation: ECO+, designed to further balance paramedic comfort with energy performance objectives.
Currently in development at Crestline, ECO+ will soon be available on Demers models, powered by the MMC system.