Spyder
Juice
The Electric Porsche That Changed Everything
Built by Al Simpler and Gary Flow in 1994, Spyder Juice became a legend on the All Electric Sun Day Challenge circuit — winning every race entered since 1995 and pioneering the solar charging technology used worldwide today.
Car #31 — The Antithesis
of James Dean's #13
In 1994, the reproduction of this Porsche Spyder was christened "Spyder Juice." Car number 31 was chosen as the antithesis to James Dean's legendary Spyder, car number 13. The unlucky number 13 transformed — as 31 took the stage on the Electric Car Racing Circuit.
Designed to race in the All Electric Sun Day Challenge and the Tour De Sol Races, this early version of the Electric Car won every Sun Day Challenge entered since 1995. Spyder Juice raced across parts of the USA and quickly became a legend, winning acceleration and Auto Cross Challenges.
Built by Al Simpler and Gary Flow, the car raced at speeds of 130 mph. In Tour de Sol, the Juice was the only car to outrun the test car 280 ZX — a gasoline-powered vehicle.
"The only car to outrun the 280 ZX gasoline test car in Tour de Sol."
— Tour de Sol Race Record
From Race Track to Revolution
Spyder Juice is Born
Al Simpler and Gary Flow build the reproduction Porsche Spyder and christen it "Spyder Juice." Car number 31 is chosen as the antithesis to James Dean's legendary car number 13 — the unlucky number transformed.
Wins Every Sun Day Challenge
Designed to race in the All Electric Sun Day Challenge and the Tour De Sol Races, Spyder Juice wins every Sun Day Challenge entered since 1995 — dominating the electric car racing circuit.
130 MPH & Tour De Sol Glory
Racing across parts of the USA, Spyder Juice reaches speeds of 130 mph and becomes a legend — winning acceleration and Auto Cross Challenges. In Tour de Sol, it was the only car to outrun the test car 280 ZX (gasoline powered).
Solar Charging Station Born
The experimental motor in Spyder Juice prompted other countries to implement this technology in their electric car designs. From this design, the Solar Charging Station was born — later featured at Epcot Center.
Next Generation Retrofit
Spyder Juice is being retrofitted with a new Lithium Ion Battery Pack, standing as a tribute to the past and the future of the electric vehicle movement. The Spyder will race again.
From Spyder Juice,
the Solar Charging Station Was Born
The experimental motor featured in the Spyder Juice prompted other countries to implement this technology in their Electric Car Designs. At one event, our Charging Station powered the Goodyear tire truck providing tires for racing competitors.
From this design, the Solar Charging Station was born — and it is available in its next generation form today. The Station was also a featured item at Epcot Center, cementing Simpler Solar's place in the history of renewable energy innovation.
The faces of the support race team changed over the years, but Al Simpler remains a pioneer in the beginning of the Electric Car Race. Today, we look to the new Electric Cars with great anticipation.
The Spyder Will
Race Again
Spyder Juice is being retrofitted with a new Lithium Ion Battery Pack today — standing as a tribute to the past and the future of this great movement. The same pioneering spirit that built car #31 in 1994 drives Simpler Solar Systems forward today.
Al Simpler's 40+ years of solar and electric vehicle expertise is the foundation of every system we design and install. From the race track to your rooftop, the mission has always been the same: harness the power of the sun.
Powered by the Same Pioneer Spirit
The same expertise that built Spyder Juice in 1994 is designing solar systems for homes and businesses today. Start your free evaluation.