Just because you own an electric vehicle, it doesn’t mean you’re not an off-road enthusiast wanting to take your EVs off road. So, for the second year in a row, OPTIMA Batteries returns to King of the Hammers with zero carbon green renewable energy powering its compound and EV chargers. Set to kick off on February 1, OPTIMA Unplugged takes place during the 2024 Progressive King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California.
Perfect opportunity for EVs off road
OPTIMA will provide 10 Level 2 chargers and four Level 3 chargers – all of which will be powered by hydrogen supplied by Renewable Innovations. The OPTIMA Oasis compound itself will be powered by hydrogen and solar power – also provided by Renewable Innovations.
EV and HEV owners can register for the two-day event, and experience level ranges from beginner to more advanced. The tour, set up as a poker run, sets up a limited off-road experience on day one and a more challenging course on day two.
About King of the Hammers
Situated in Johnson Valley, California, King of the Hammers has more than six races on the schedule, and during race week, the remote dry lakebed turns into one of the world’s largest temporary cities called “Hammertown,” filled with street signs, food trucks and shopping.
King of the Hammers is considered one of the biggest and toughest off-road weeks in the U.S., and it attracts more than 100,000 spectators.
How to participate in OPTIMA Unplugged
In order to participate in OPTIMA Unplugged, EV and hybrid owners will need to purchase a two-day pass, which not only gives full access to King of the Hammers but also provides access to “luxury” camping with trailer restrooms, private showers, a 30X20 dry camp space for Thursday and Friday, free charging 24/7 and a full spread of meals. All of this is in addition to the two days of trail rides.
Tickets cost $350 for the vehicle and the driver, and there is a free of $150 for a single additional passenger. To purchase tickets and get more details, visit the Optima Unplugged website.
The bottom line
We saw in this past year’s Rebelle Rally, that EVs can not only go off-road but also win off-road competitions. So, we’re excited to see opportunities like this pop up to allow people to explore the limits of their electric vehicles, alongside their gasoline counterparts.
