Firefly Energy, which has created a new type of lead acid batteries for truckers, has put prototypes of its OasisT battery on the road and says it's on track for mass production in the second quarter of next year. The OasisT effectively generates more electrons than standard lead acid batteries. That means that a single charge lasts longer. The battery can also endure more recharging cycles and has a longer lifespan than a normal lead acid battery, according to Firefly, which spun out of construction equipment giant Caterpillar. The key to the OasisT is an internal membrane coated with graphite foam. The foam effectively increases the reactive surface of the membrane, thereby increasing the power. Firefly's Oasis batteries are designed to power the living quarters inside long-haul trucks. Truckers typically run their diesel rigs all night to keep the air conditioning or heating going. This also keeps the TV powered. (You're up, stuck in Tulsa and want to watch reruns of "B.J. and the Bear," for instance.) Unfortunately, that burns a lot of fuel. California has imposed regulations that only allow truckers to run their rigs in idle for five minutes every hour to cut down on diesel fumes and greenhouse gases. That leaves truckers the option of broiling (or freezing) or waking up every hour -- or getting a battery like the OasisT that can power their sleeping chamber. Other states will likely follow suit. Firefly emerged from stealth mode about a year ago. The first four Oasis batteries were installed on a Freightliner truck operated by G&D Integrated of Morton, Illinois. Ten four.