Optima Batteries Unplugged, Bringing EVs To King Of The Hammers

Looking for a new way to experience King of the Hammers this year? Well, if you’re heading out to KOH and own an electrified vehicle, Optima batteries has a special event just for you. Optima Unplugged presented by DCE and Volta Power systems. This new offroad event is a single-day experience exclusively for EVs and hybrids and is going down during this year’s KOH.

 Unplugged is all about getting EVs integrated into the offroad lifestyle and onto the dirt. Optima is so passionate about this they are offering the event completely free. That’s right, when you register for Unplugged you will receive two free passes to KOH so you can experience the entire week of festivities. On top of that, the first 50 people to sign up will also get receive a special heated vest and hat set with a retail value of over $200.

What Is Included?

Optima Unplugged will be centered around an off-the-grid poker-run style rally, driving your own vehicle exploring Johnson Valley. The rally will be attended by industry icons such as Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Loren Healy, Erik Miller, Christopher Polvoorde, Richard Waitas, and more.

The tour will include stops at iconic King of the Hammers trails. It will also allow attendees to watch qualifying for the Race of Kings. The event ends at Chocolate Thunder with lunch. From there, participants can watch KOH founder, Dave Cole take the world’s first all-electric Ultra4 race car up Chocolate Thunder. There will also be an opportunity for some participants to ride along with Dave in the fully electric Ultra4 rig.

There will even be lunch and water during the ride provided by Overland Ruff Rax and Magnaflow. After the rally is done, you can swing back by the OPTIMA VIP campsite in Hammer town for additional refreshments as well.

How Will I Charge My EV?

Of course this the most important detail is handled. No stranded ducks in the desert! There are numerous fast charging stations within 50 miles of Johnson Valley. For those who need to top off at camp, there are eight Level 2 chargers set up at OPTIMA Unplugged in Hammertown.

Can My EV Handle It?

This tour is an entry-level off-road adventure that does not require any vehicle modifications. Stock vehicles are okay, as long as they are all-wheel drive. Lowering tire pressure onsite is suggested. Also, Experts will be on hand to provide tips and tricks for safe off-roading.

Jeep 4xE

Manufacturers and distributors of all types of off-road gear and equipment will be available as well. They will also have tools for light-duty mechanical support, such as tire changes at the OPTIMA VIP campsite and on the trails in case anything does happen.

To some, it may sound too hardcore, but as a presenting sponsor, OPTIMA Batteries has worked closely with the owner and management of KOH to create a unique safe experience. Optima has secured enough space and time to have an exclusive event for drivers with little or no off-road experience.  The drive will include some soft sand and a few hills, but the organized drive will be quite tame, according to Optima.

Rivian

Schedule

Unplugged will take place in Johnson Valley during King of the Hammers (KOH) on February 8, 2023.

  • 8 a.m. ­­-­ Check-in at the Optima VIP campsite
  • 9 a.m. – Poker run/rally
  • noon – Lunch on top of Chocolate Thunder and poker run hunt prizes
  • 2-5 p.m. Ride along with Dave Cole in the world’s first fully electric Ultra4 race car

Don’t Wait To Sign Up

The event is free but limited to 100 vehicles. To register head over to OPTIMA Unplugged at King of the Hammers 2023. Since the event is limited and you miss out on registration make sure to stop by the Optima VIP campsite. There you can get information on future Unplugged events.

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Dustin Singleton

Dustin is an internationally published photographer and the founder of IALS Photography. Managing a successful mobile electronics shop led him to become completely entrenched in the tuner scene.
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