Turntide’s Sierra Echo-S Aims to Be the First Purpose-Built EV in ‘King of the Hammers’ Off-Road Race

On January 8, 2026, Turntide Technologies, a developer of high-performance electric motors, power electronics, and energy storage systems, announced that its Sierra Echo-S electric off-road vehicle will compete in King of the Hammers 2026, one of the world’s most demanding off-road racing events. Powered by Turntide’s axial flux motor technology, the vehicle is designed to take on a course that combines high-speed desert runs with slow, technical rock crawling, conditions that push both drivers and machines to the limit. While converted electric vehicles have appeared in previous races, the Sierra Echo-S seeks to become the first electric vehicle purpose-built specifically to complete the full event.

King of the Hammers serves as a proving ground for emerging propulsion technologies. For Turntide, participation demonstrates that off-road electrification can deliver performance, durability, and torque in extreme environments and has the potential to accelerate the transition of off-highway vehicles to electric power. King of the Hammers will take place from January 29 through February 7 2026, in Johnson Valley, California.

Unveiled during SEMA 2025, the Sierra Echo-S leverages Turntide’s compact axial flux motors and integrated power electronics to provide high torque, efficiency, and precise control over steep and uneven terrain. The compact footprint of the motors enables improved weight distribution by positioning components closer to the vehicle’s center, enhancing traction and handling. The program also previews the company’s broader electrification capabilities that will be highlighted at CONEXPO in Las Vegas from March 3–7, 2026.

Key technical specifications include an 18.6-kWh battery, axial flux motor delivering 235 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm, 420-volt nominal system voltage, and a precision-tuned 4.56 gear ratio. The Sierra Echo-S rides on 33-inch off-road tires and delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 2.64 horsepower per pound, with 0–60 mph acceleration achieved in approximately three seconds.

“We are entering this race to showcase the future of off-highway electric mobility,” said Jason Glass, North America Business Development Director at Turntide Technologies. “Our technology delivers the torque and performance required for the harshest applications—from competitive off-road racing to heavy construction equipment. The industry is at a pivotal transition point, and we are proud to help drive that change.”

Turntide Technologies designs and manufactures advanced electric motors, power electronics, energy storage, and thermal systems for transportation and industrial applications. The company operates in North America, the United Kingdom, and India, serving markets including off-highway equipment, commercial vehicles, rail, marine, light vehicles, and premium automotive.

King of the Hammers Is One of the Most Challenging Off-Road Races in the World

King of the Hammers is one of the most challenging and prestigious off-road races in the world, held annually in Johnson Valley, California. The event combines high-speed desert racing with ultra-technical rock crawling, forcing vehicles and drivers to transition rapidly between open-terrain sprint sections and slow, precise navigation over boulders and steep rock canyons.

Courses typically exceed 100 miles and are designed to test durability, vehicle engineering, and driver endurance under extreme conditions. What began as a small competition among off-road enthusiasts has evolved into a weeklong motorsports festival that attracts professional teams, OEMs, engineers, and tens of thousands of spectators. King of the Hammers has become a proving ground for new off-road technologies, especially drivetrains, suspension systems, and increasingly, electric propulsion concepts, earning its reputation as “the world’s toughest one-day off-road race.”