Ahead of the highly anticipated Rhino Charge on 30 May 2026, the EV Explorers team conducted a comprehensive driver-testing session to evaluate their upgraded electric off-road vehicle the testing session was carried out in Dagoretti at part of the Ngong forest.
Having made history last year as the first-ever zero-emissions entrant in the competition, the team invited key partners to witness the latest engineering advancements designed to tackle Kenya's most formidable terrain.
The upcoming motorsport challenge, a flagship fundraising initiative for the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, is set to take place in Samburu, North of Archer’s Post.
The event presents an extreme endurance test in which competitors receive classified navigational coordinates on the eve of the competition and must navigate the challenging terrain within a strict 12-hour window.
Reflecting on their experience in last year’s Rhino Charge which took place in Baringo, Africa Practice Partner and EV Explorers team leader Richard Kiplagat noted that their primary challenges were mechanical rather than electrical.
During last year's competition, the vehicle successfully reached five checkpoints. "Our batteries only utilised 25% of its capacity," Kiplagat explained, underscoring the resilience and viability of the electric vehicles in extreme conditions.
Armed with these critical insights, the engineering team has executed a comprehensive overhaul of the vehicle’s mechanics. Key updates include heavy-duty transmission components, a reinforced differential, an enhanced throttle system, and a complete rewiring of both the 12-volt and high-voltage electrical architecture.
"We started doing Rhino Charge more than 20 years ago, using a petrol vehicle. When we needed to change the vehicle, we decided to build the first-ever electric vehicle to compete in the Rhino Charge, an initiative designed by Kenyans and built by Kenyans," added Kiplagat.
He noted that the initiative serves a dual purpose: accelerating climate conservation awareness and fundraising while inspiring the next generation of Kenyan innovators,the main purpose of the Rhino charge is to raise funds for conservation mainly to help Mau Forest, Arberdare, Kakamega forest and Eburu forest.
While the team remains focused on continuous improvement, their strategic progression is clear. Kiplagat outlined their phased ambitions: "This year we want to make an attempt to finish the event and next year, we will aim to win."
Beyond the dusty trails of Samburu, the team is equally committed to cultivating local talent. Advancing this mission, EV Explorers will officially launch the TVET Young Engineers Scholarship Programme this coming Monday, issuing a nationwide call for applications to empower aspiring female technical students to actively shape Africa’s electric future.