Clarios, OPTIMA & the Petersen Automotive Museum: A Partnership Showcasing the Future of Automotive Innovation

By Brian McKay CTO at Clarios

For over a century, Clarios has been at the heart of the automotive industry providing the essential power that has driven vehicles through incredible transformations. As vehicle electrical demands grew, Clarios was at the forefront delivering innovative & cost-effective power solutions enabling the software-defined vehicles we see today. As we look to the future, our commitment to innovation and sustainability is stronger than ever, and we are proud to partner with the Petersen Automotive Museum to celebrate this legacy and explore what lies ahead.

This summer, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles unveiled one of its most ambitious projects yet—four new exhibits that collectively represent a deep dive into the past, present, and future of automotive innovation. Among these, the "Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles" exhibit, supported by Clarios, OPTIMA and BMW, is particularly significant. This exhibit tells the story of electric vehicles (EVs) from their earliest incarnations in the late 1800s to the cutting-edge prototypes of today.

For us at Clarios, the "Alternating Currents" exhibit is more than just a display; it reflects our ongoing role in the evolution of the automotive industry. Our OPTIMA brand, showcased in this exhibit, represents the pinnacle of battery innovation, designed to meet the demanding needs of modern vehicles—especially those venturing into the world of electrification and off-road adventures.

One of the exhibit's highlights is the Clarios x OPTIMA Batteries Rivian R1T, accompanied by the OPTIMA Power Station, a custom Turtleback Trailer. The setup represents the real-world application of our technology in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. The Rivian R1T, which is partly powered by an OPTIMA battery, has led the charge—literally and figuratively—as part of our many off-road events through the treacherous terrain of Johnson Valley and up the steep slopes of Pikes Peak. These feats are a testament to the capabilities of electrified vehicles when equipped with the right power solutions.

The "Alternating Currents" exhibit also features an incredible lineup of vehicles that chart the history of EVs, including the 1896 Riker electric roadster and the 2021 Lanark DS Roadster. Each vehicle in this exhibit tells a part of the larger story of how electric vehicles have evolved over time, and how they continue to shape the future of transportation.

At Clarios, we understand that the future of mobility is being written now. Vehicles are becoming more than just machines—they are evolving into complex, software-defined systems that require advanced, reliable, and sustainable power solutions. Our total systems approach is crucial in this transition, ensuring the next generation of vehicles have the power they need for everything from autonomous driving systems to power-hungry artificial intelligence and machine learning computing.

This partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum is a natural extension of our work to lead the way in automotive innovation. The museum, with its commitment to preserving and presenting the history and future of the automobile, provides the perfect platform for us to showcase our contributions to the industry. Together, we are not just looking back at where we've been; we are looking forward to where we are going.

Our story is one of continuous innovation. Over the years, we have developed a chemistry-agnostic approach to battery technology, allowing us to adapt to the diverse needs of our customers. Whether it's Lithium-Ion, Lead Acid, Super Capacitors, or the promising new Sodium-Ion technology, we are at the forefront of developing the batteries that will power the next generation of vehicles.

But our innovation doesn't stop at technology. We are deeply committed to sustainability, integrating circularity into our operations to ensure that the batteries we produce today can be recycled and reused tomorrow. Our closed-loop system is a model of environmental stewardship making automotive batteries one of the most recycled consumer products in the world.

As we look to the future, our partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum represents an exciting opportunity to connect with automotive enthusiasts, industry leaders, and the public. Through the "Alternating Currents" exhibit and other planned activations, we aim to engage with the community and share our vision for the future of mobility.

Clarios is not just a part of the automotive industry's past; we are actively shaping its future. Our advanced low-voltage systems are powering the vehicles of tomorrow, and our commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that we will continue to lead the way in this rapidly evolving landscape.

The story of Clarios, OPTIMA and the Petersen Automotive Museum is one of partnership, progress, and a shared passion for the automobile. Together, we are driving forward into a future where mobility is more advanced, more sustainable, and more exciting than ever before.