Are EVs The Future Of Game Drives?

2 min read

How much do game drives contribute to pollution? Is it hypocritical for safaris to provide animals with a safe natural habitat but operate large engine, carbon emitting 4x4s in that same environment every day? Well, this might not be an issue anymore because safaris are beginning to make the switch from diesel to electric cars for their game drives.

Solar powered safari, Cheetah Plains, has converted a fleet of Toyota Land Cruisers from diesel to electric in the bid to achieve zero emissions game viewing. The 4x4s are fitted with 100 kW Tesla batteries and have a range of 50km, which is just enough as their game drives are 30 to 40 km long. They have a top speed of 65 km/h and require approximately 7 hours for a full charge. They are still, however, ‘prototypes’, according to the game reserve’s owner, Japie van Niekerk. The vehicles, which are partially charged by solar panels, have heated seats and USB charging ports.

Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana also uses a fleet of electric 4x4s for their eco-game drives. These EVs are charged by solar panels installed on the game lodge producing a maximum of 104 Kwh of electricity. 

Asilia has partnered with Kenyan EV manufacturer Opibus, to use electric 4x4s for their game drives at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp in Kenya. Their entire fleet of 4x4s is electric and are all charged on their property which is completely off-grid, generating electricity from solar panels. They used to require 1 000 litres of fuel a year for one of their diesel vehicles.

Other safaris such as Campi Ya Kanzi in Kenya also use electric 4x4s for their game drives. All users are reporting that the 4x4s work well, are reliable and allow them to get up closer to animals due to their soundless nature. So far, the only evident downside is the cost. Cheetah Plains, close to Kruger National Park, reportedly spent close to R1 million per vehicle to convert their fleet to electric.

Summary:

• Electric 4x4s are being used in game drives in South Africa, Kenya, Botswana and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• The cost of converting or purchasing these vehicles are high at approximately R1 million per vehicle.
• Most of these vehicles are charged by solar.
• These vehicles are quiet, reliable and require little maintenance.

Have you been on a game drive in an ESV before? Will this technology help us reach zero emissions? Share your thoughts by replying to this email!

For more information on ESVs or any other energy related articles, view the blog posts on my website and be sure to open my weekly emails every Tuesday at 9am CAT.

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