Turntide Axial Flux EDU Validated Under Extremes at King of the Hammers  

The Turntide Sierra Echo-R, powered by Turntide’s breakthrough Axial Flux Electric Drive Unit (EDU) platform, became the first purpose-built electric vehicle to qualify for and compete in the King of the Hammers Desert Challenge course, one of the toughest off-road races in the world. Designed to expose drivetrain limits under sustained vibration, load, dirt/dust, and heat, the event provided a real-world proving ground for the Turntide Axial Flux EDU’s performance. 

“We took our Axial Flux EDU technology into the one of the most challenging operating environments imaginable to understand its true performance capabilities,” said Steve Hornyak, CEO, Turntide. “The now battle-tested EDU withstood the continuous load without any issues after more than 600 high-demand, desert, off-road miles, demonstrating that it is well-suited for high performance and demanding use!” 

The King of the Hammers Desert Challenge subjects vehicles to prolonged vibration, steep elevation changes, and continuous load cycling designed to expose mechanical and thermal drivetrain limits.  Under these conditions, Turntide’s Axial Flux EDU solution delivered consistent torque, smooth control, and reliable performance in the heat, deep desert sand, and technical rock sections. The Technology operated beyond targeted performance expectations, validating its use in demanding off-highway conditions.  

Insights from the Desert Challenge are influencing Turntide’s next-generation Axial Flux EDU platform designed to simplify integration and accelerate deployment across off-highway applications, including high-performance powersports, heavy equipment used in construction, automotive, and other off-highway applications.