EV Explorers unveil electric off-roader, set to take on Rhino Charge

Participants in action during the 32nd edition of Rhino Charge at Sabor Village in Baringo County [File/Standard] In a bold step toward eco-friendly motorsport, EV Explorers has unveiled Kenya's first-ever zero-emissions electric vehicle set to compete in the legendary Rhino Charge. The innovation represents a major milestone in sustainable mobility, pushing the boundaries of electric transport beyond city roads and into some of the country's harshest off-road terrains. This effort also aligns with conservation efforts spearheaded by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust. Speaking during the launch at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi, Africa Practice Partner and EV Explorers team leader Richard Kiplagat said: "We are proud to be the first team attempting the Rhino Charge with a zero-emissions vehicle." He emphasized the connection between climate change and conservation. "A zero-emissions car is not only a bold innovation, but proof that sustainable technology has a place in even the toughest conditions." The debut of an electric vehicle at Rhino Charge underscores Kenya's growing shift toward sustainable transport, supported by forward-thinking government policies and an increasing awareness of environmental responsibility. Kiplagat said the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) recently highlighted key policy interventions in its latest Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report. These include the introduction of a special e-mobility tariff, reducing excise duty on electric vehicles from 20 percent to 10 percent, and exempting fully electric cars from Value Added Tax (VAT). EV Explorers engineer Nick Foley highlighted the broader impact of the team's entry. "Proving that electric vehicles can endure extreme terrain is only the beginning. The real opportunity lies in how this breakthrough can inspire innovation in vehicle design, energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure," he said. He added, "Kenya has the talent and ambition to lead this transformation, and initiatives like EV Explorers are catalysts for investment, collaboration, and ingenuity." Rhino Ark Charitable Trust Deputy Executive Director Gloria Waswa welcomed the development, stating: "The Rhino Charge has always challenged teams to innovate while respecting the landscapes we seek to protect, and welcoming the first electric vehicle into this competition is a natural evolution of that spirit, where technology is not only a tool for endurance but also a platform for conservation leadership. Sustainable innovation will define the future of motorsport and conservation alike." The project is backed by a powerful consortium of partners, including Africa Practice, Base Titanium, Valar, KenGen, KCB, Gulf Energy, Maxxis, Safaricom, Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, Africa Bridge Fund, and Axum. Their collective support showcases Kenya's commitment to climate-smart solutions across multiple industries. During the launch event, it was revealed that the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum is actively driving this momentum. Among the key policy actions is the Kenya National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (2020), which aims for a 5 percent annual increase in electric vehicle imports. Kenya has also signed the COP26 declaration to support the global shift toward 100 percent zero-emission vehicles. According to EV Explorers engineer Foley, the team is making history by becoming the first electric vehicle group to take on the Rhino Charge. "We are a first in introducing electric propulsion to the world's toughest 4x4 events, Rhino Charge, proving that sustainable tech can go the distance. This is excitement beyond measure, especially because it is a win for Conservation too, one that drives efforts towards a sustainable environment and planet Earth," he said. He noted that competing in support of Rhino Ark and helping to fund its conservation work is a noble goal. Founded in 1988, Rhino Ark was created to tackle the growing threat to Kenya's Black Rhino population in the Aberdare ecosystem. Initially set up to finance a protective fence for the Kenya Wildlife Service, its mission expanded to include the construction of a 410-kilometre electric fence encircling the entire Aberdare Conservation Area. For decades, the annual Rhino Charge has tested both skill and stamina while also serving as a vital fundraiser for conservation. Since its inception, the event has raised over Sh2.4 billion. These funds have supported the construction of 780 kilometres of electric fencing, protecting over 80,000 families from human-wildlife conflict. The protected ecosystems of the Aberdares, Mount Kenya, and the Mau Forest together provide ecological services valued at KSh 412 billion each year. "Since its completion in 2009 and formal commissioning in 2010 by the late President Mwai Kibaki, the fence has successfully curbed poaching, safeguarded wildlife, and mitigated human-wildlife conflict," said Director Waswa. She added that today, Rhino Ark also supports the conservation of other critical ecosystems, including Mount Kenya, Kakamega, the Mau, and Mount Eburu. The organisation continues to champion long-term solutions that protect Kenya's vital water towers, preserve biodiversity, and foster peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.

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EV Explorers unveil electric off-roader, set to take on Rhino Charge

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