EVs in the Dirt: Pushing Limits and Building Community at King of the Hammers

How do you even begin to describe the spectacle that is King of the Hammers? Words honestly fail me. It’s part endurance race, part rock-crawling gauntlet, part high-speed desert rally—a brutal test of both driver and machine across some of the toughest terrain imaginable. But KOH is more than just a series of races. It’s an expo packed with vendors selling everything from hardcore off-road modifications to the latest gear for overlanding and camping. It’s also one of the biggest group camping trips you’ll ever see, with thousands of people rolling into Johnson Valley from all over. This year, I met folks who had come in from as far away as Florida and Canada.

And for the third year, KOH was also an opportunity for off-road-capable EVs to prove themselves in the dirt. Optima Batteries, the event’s sponsor, also hosted the Optima Unplugged event—a gathering of AWD EVs and hybrids pushing their trucks to the limit. A gaggle of Rivians, a few 4xe Jeeps, a handful of Cybertrucks, and a Hummer EV tackled steep sandy dunes, technical rock trails, and miles of relentless washboard. With Rivian Clubs of America volunteers from multiple local clubs leading the way, there were routes for everyone—from total beginners to seasoned off-roaders looking for a challenge. And when we got back to camp, the trucks could charge up at stations powered by the sun and green hydrogen—a perfect example of how EVs and adventure can go hand in hand.

One of the best parts? Having Rivian engineers, racers, and Proving Ground staff right there with us. These experts didn’t just hang out—they actively shared their knowledge, offering real-time insights over the radios on how to get the most out of our vehicles. What’s the best drive mode for washboard roads? How should you handle whoops at speed? (Trick question—slow down.) When, if ever, should you use the highest ride height? As we cruised through the desert, they gave invaluable advice that made a noticeable difference in how we tackled the terrain. And when a more adventurous group split off on Friday afternoon to push their skills on tougher trails, experienced Rivian Club volunteers and professionals provided spotting and coaching to help navigate the trickier obstacles.

But for all the adrenaline and technical driving, some of the best moments happened back at camp. Sitting around the fire, catching up with familiar faces from last year, and getting to know new folks. Sharing stories—why they drive an EV, what brought them out to the desert, what fuels their sense of adventure. That’s what really makes Rivian Club events special. It’s not just about testing the limits of what our trucks can do—it’s about the people, the camaraderie, and the shared love of exploration.

Already looking forward to next year.