OPTIMA Powers the Aussie Outback Solar Challenge

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The Aussie Outback Solar Challenge is an attempt to cross the Simpson Desert in Australia's Northern Territory from West to East (Mount Dare to Birdsville) in an electric-powered vehicle and beat the Guinness World Record of eight days. The vehicle used for this record-setting attempt was a 1996 Suzuki Sierra, powered by a 6kW forklift motor.

The power for this effort was delivered by 12 OPTIMA D31A YELLOWTOP batteries and a D34 YELLOWTOP battery. The batteries were recharged on their trip across Australia's fourth-largest desert by 20 semi-flexible 180-watt monocrystalline solar panels. After seven days, five hours and six minutes, Alan Johnson crossed the finish line, setting the record for an AGM-powered, solar-charged vehicle crossing the Simpson Desert. Check out photos from the journey in the gallery below.