Charged Up: Optima Introduces Lithium Batteries for Powersports

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

It’s beyond frustrating to belt yerself into your powersports rig only to twist the key (or mash the button) and be rewarded with a fistful of no-go. Dead batteries are a reality for most of us, especially in machines which may not be run-in daily or tend to sit for extended periods of time. Now, one company seeks to change all that.

You’ll recognize the Optima brand name from the rep it has built for itself in the automotive segment. As the provider of top-tier batteries with laser-focused purposes – Redtop units have massive cranking power while Yellowtops generally have more reserve capacity and can weather high-amp deep cycling – Optima knows a thing or three about starting vehicles in tough conditions. Now, they’re bringing their talents to the powersports arena.

Called the Orangetop (hey – blue, red, and yellow were already taken), these batteries feature an industry-leading IP67 dust and water intrusion rating, which is just the ticket for parts being put to work in the types of harsh environments where powersport machines typically tread. Optima also applied their extensive R&D knowledge about vibration resistance to the new Orangetop line of batteries.

Optima plans to launch this product in six different sizes, so chances are excellent there will be an appropriate one for your specific application. Cranking power will range from 190 to 800 amps and capacities will run from 3 to 15 ampere hours depending on size selected. These batteries employ the latest lithium iron phosphate technology with Optima’s own tech which should maximize performance in low temperatures. Combined with its lighter weight and greater efficiency compared to standard batteries, these units seem to be a huge leap over conventional ones.

As an added feature, Orangetops come equipped with Optima’s Powerlink system which is compatible with the brand’s new Digital 200+ battery charger. The ecosystem is ideal for keeping tabs on the unit’s status and charging, in addition to a battery storage mode to maximize its health and lifespan if it has been installed in a machine which has an offseason. In other words, it’s not just relying on brute muscle to keep cranking. It has smarts, too, to make sure it’s ready when you need it.

[Image: Optima Batteries]

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

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