From EV Explorers
Kenya has witnessed a groundbreaking moment in sustainable motorsport as EV Explorers has unveiled the country’s first-ever customised zero-emission 4×4 electric vehicle, which will compete in the renowned Rhino Charge on May 31, 2025.
This pioneering initiative aims not only to showcase the capabilities of electric vehicles (EVs) in extreme off-road conditions but also to underscore a commitment to environmental conservation and innovation.
The Rhino Charge, an annual one-day off-road 4×4 competition, has been a significant event in Kenya’s motorsport calendar for over three decades. Traditionally dominated by fuel-powered vehicles, this year’s event marks an important shift with the introduction of EV Explorers.
The Rhino Charge permits a maximum of 65 competitors, who are required to visit 13 checkpoints scattered over approximately 100 square kilometres of rough terrain within 10 hours. Supplied with a 1:50,000 scale map of the venue and the GPS coordinates of the 13 checkpoints, each competing team decides on the route it wants to follow. The winner is the competitor who finishes at the checkpoint where they started, having visited all the other checkpoints in the shortest distance, as measured by GPS.
The Rhino Charge is a unique and exciting competition that requires bravery and a high level of skill in off-road driving and navigation. To prevent adverse environmental impact, the number of entries to the event is limited to 65 vehicles. The popularity of the Charge is such that the organisers have introduced a preferential entry strategy favouring high-value fundraisers, as entrants would far exceed the available places in the event.
EV Explorers team leader Richard Kiplagat said: “We are proud to be the first to compete in the Rhino Charge with a zero-emission vehicle, showcasing what’s possible while raising awareness and funds for conservation.”
Beyond the thrill of competition, the Rhino Charge serves a vital purpose: raising funds for the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust. The trust is dedicated to conserving Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems, known as the ‘Water Towers of Kenya.’ Proceeds from the event have facilitated the construction of over 780 kilometres of electric fencing, protecting more than 80,000 families from human-wildlife conflicts. By participating in Rhino Charge 2025, EV Explorers aims to contribute directly to these conservation initiatives, aligning their mission with the broader goal of environmental stewardship.
The success of EV Explorers is boosted by strategic partnerships with forward-thinking organisations committed to sustainable mobility and environmental conservation in Kenya. Key sponsors of EV Explorers for the Rhino Charge 2025 event include Africa Practice, Base Titanium, Valar, KenGen, KCB, Gulf Energy, Maxxis, Safaricom, Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, Africa Bridge Fund, and Axum.
These collaborations reflect a shared vision of advancing electric mobility in Kenya, supported by government policies such as reduced excise duties and VAT exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs).
Spectators can experience the excitement of Rhino Charge 2025 by camping at the venue and witnessing teams tackle obstacles such as water crossings and dense vegetation. The event not only tests skill and endurance but also makes a significant contribution to conservation efforts in Kenya.
EV Explorers’ participation in the Rhino Charge signifies a transformative moment for Kenya’s clean transport ambitions. By demonstrating the viability of electric vehicles in challenging terrains, the team is paving the way for future innovations in conservation, mobility, and infrastructure development. Their involvement underscores the growing alignment between sustainable technology and environmental stewardship.
Hero image: EV Explorers team leader Richard Kiplagat speaks at the launch ceremony of the group’s customised EV in Nairobi, Kenya, earlier this month. Credit: EV Explorers
