EV Explorers gear up to make history at Rhino charge with Kenya’s first electric off-roader

“We are here to learn, inspire, and drive innovation"

by FELIX KIPKEMOI

Sports27 May 2025 - 18:24

In Summary

The custom-built vehicle is a four-wheel-drive with front and rear differentials, two 480kg batteries offering a combined 150-kWh battery life.
Engineer Nick Foley, who will drive the EV and is a veteran of seven Rhino Charge events, said the primary goal this year is to complete the course.

A team of Kenyan innovators is set to make history this Saturday as the first electric vehicle team to participate in the Rhino Charge, one of the world’s toughest off-road challenges.

Led by Richard Kiplagat, the team dubbed EV Explorers will compete with car number 29.

Speaking after a testing session in Karen, Kiplagat expressed confidence despite the formidable terrain that awaits them in Baringo.

“We set ourselves the difficult task of entering this competition fully aware of the challenges,” he said.

"But we believe there is a strong link between climate and conservation. So, we asked ourselves, why not participate in a more sustainable way?”

Rhino Charge is an annual event aimed at raising funds for conservation efforts.

The participation by EV Explorers’, he said, is symbolic of the shift toward environmentally friendly technologies.

Through their participation, they aim to promote sustainable innovation in motorsports and conservation.

“This is not just about winning, it is about proving that low-emission alternatives have a place even in the harshest conditions,” Kiplagat stated.

“We are here to learn, inspire, and drive innovation.”

Kiplagat noted this is their first attempt and hopes the experience will help them to improve the vehicle and encourage others to join the EV movement.

“We want to show it is possible, that an electric car can take on this challenge. And we’re grateful to our sponsors who made this possible,” he said.

He added that the low running cost of EVs compared to fossil fuel cars makes them an economical long-term option for Kenyans.

The custom-built vehicle is a four-wheel-drive with front and rear differentials, two 480kg batteries offering a combined 150-kWh battery life, and a centrally positioned steering column.

It will carry six core team members, a driver, a navigator, and four scouts.

The scouts will run ahead of the vehicle, and their role is provide early warnings in case of obstacles.

It will also be supported by a 60-member crew.

Engineer Nick Foley, who will drive the EV and is a veteran of seven Rhino Charge events, said the primary goal this year is to complete the course.

“There are many things to improve, but we are in this for the long haul; it is a three-year journey,” Foley said.

"Finishing the race would be a huge milestone. We do not want to push the car too hard, we want to understand its performance.”

The vehicle will be transported to the venue on Wednesday, with the rest of the team following on Thursday, ready to mark a groundbreaking moment in Kenya’s e-mobility story.

In terms of preparations, Kiplagat said they have set up a 20-foot container with solar panels on top that will be used to generate power to charge the vehicle and provide energy for their camp.