Learning About Optima's Battery Technology at Pikes Peak through a Bag of Chips Insight
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) has proven to be a significant testing ground for Optima Batteries, particularly their OrangeTop QH6 lithium battery. This challenging event, known for its extreme elevation changes, presents harsh conditions that push automotive components to their limits[1].
For Optima Batteries, the PPIHC serves as an ultimate proving ground, allowing them to push their products beyond regular consumer use. By participating in motorsport events like Pikes Peak, Optima can accelerate research and development by exposing their batteries to real-world, demanding conditions that simulate and often exceed everyday use scenarios[1].
The 2025 event marked the first official race debut of the OrangeTop QH6 battery in a competitive car. The battery had been undergoing real-world testing for about a year prior, with the PPIHC serving as the final test before its commercial release[1]. The successful completion of these tests at Pikes Peak has given Optima confidence to offer this battery to consumers, demonstrating its robustness and suitability for performance applications[1].
The OrangeTop QH6 lithium battery is equipped with a unique feature: a breather valve that allows the pressure inside the battery to equalize with the atmospheric air pressure. This feature, not common among competitors, helps prevent issues caused by pressure changes due to altitude[1].
The PPIHC is particularly challenging for car batteries due to its extreme elevation changes, which can affect a sealed lithium battery pack in a similar way, potentially causing leaks, explosions, or overheating[1]. By successfully navigating these conditions, the OrangeTop QH6 lithium battery has shown its ability to withstand the pressures of competition, making it suitable for consumers as well.
In addition to the breather valve, the OrangeTop QH6 lithium battery is also equipped with sensors that monitor battery health and can be transmitted to a phone app via Bluetooth[1]. This feature provides users with real-time information about their battery's performance, ensuring optimal usage and longevity.
Optima Batteries targets performance-oriented aftermarket customers and OEMs for their products. With the successful debut of the OrangeTop QH6 lithium battery at the PPIHC, they have shown their commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable batteries that can stand up to the demands of competition and everyday use[1].
Tom Downie, vice president of communications at Clarios (which owns Optima Batteries), explained that motorsport provides an opportunity to push products beyond regular consumer use. He mentioned the King of the Hammers and the Baja 1000 as other relevant races where Optima Batteries have participated[1].
In summary, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has played a crucial role in the development and validation of Optima Batteries' technology, particularly their OrangeTop QH6 lithium battery. By serving as a demanding natural laboratory, the PPIHC has driven the development, refinement, and ultimate commercialization of Optima's advanced battery technology.
[1] Information sourced from Tom Downie, vice president of communications at Clarios (which owns Optima Batteries), and Daryl Brockman, director of global sales, marketing, and product planning at Optima.
The PPIHC offers Optima Batteries the opportunity to push their products beyond regular consumer use, as they can expose them to real-world, demanding conditions that simulate both performance applications in the automotive industry and everyday use scenarios.
Optima's participation in motorsport events such as the PPIHC, King of the Hammers, and the Baja 1000 allows them to accelerate research and development in finance, transportation, and technology, providing high-performance, reliable batteries that cater to performance-oriented aftermarket customers and OEMs.
