EV Explorers have unveiled the first-ever zero-emissions electric vehicle designed to compete in the Rhino Charge, marking a pioneering moment for sustainable mobility in extreme conditions. This milestone marks a first for the Rhino Charge and a proud moment for local EV innovation.

The initiative advances the use of electric vehicles beyond conventional roads and into some of Kenya’s most challenging terrains, in support of critical conservation efforts led by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust.

Speaking during the launch, Africa Practice Partner and EV Explorers team leader Richard Kiplagat said: “It is clear that climate change and conservation are linked and we wanted to raise awareness and funds with this in mind. We thought a zero emissions car was a great way to show what is possible and to bring some new excitement to our entry”. 

Electric mobility is gaining prominence in Kenya due to supportive government policies, lower operating costs, increased awareness, and heightened environmental consciousness. 

According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report FY 2023-2024, progress has been driven by several key policy interventions.

These include the introduction of a special e-mobility tariff, reduction of excise duty on electric vehicles from 20 percent to 10 percent and exemption of fully electric cars from Value Added Tax (VAT).

"Proving that electric vehicles can endure the toughest conditions is only the first step. The true opportunity lies in how this breakthrough can inspire a new generation of innovation — in vehicle design, energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure," added  Nick Foley, EV Explorers engineer.

Since its inception, the annual Rhino Charge has raised over KES2.4 billion to support Rhino Ark’s conservation work. 
To date, the Trust has built 780 kilometres of electric fences, protecting over 80,000 families from human-wildlife conflict. 

The Aberdares, Mount Kenya, and the Mau Forest — the three mountain ecosystems where Rhino Ark operates — collectively provide yearly ecological services to Kenya worth KES412 billion.

On her part, Rhino Ark Charitable Trust Deputy Executive Director Gloria Waswa said: "The Rhino Charge has always challenged teams to adapt, innovate, and respect the landscapes we seek to protect. Welcoming the first electric vehicle into this competition marks a natural evolution of that spirit — where technology is not only a tool for endurance, but also a platform for conservation leadership. As we look to the future, it is clear that sustainable innovation will be critical in protecting Kenya’s ecosystems while enabling communities to thrive."

This pioneering initiative is backed by a consortium of visionary partners committed to advancing sustainable mobility and conservation in Kenya, including Africa Practice, Base Titanium, Valar, KenGen, KCB, Gulf Energy, Maxxis, Safaricom, Lake Turkana Wind Power Project , Africa Bridge Fund and Axum— whose collective support reflects growing momentum for climate-smart innovation across sectors. 

Additionally, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has taken significant steps to promote electric mobility, including the rollout of the Kenya National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (2020), which targets a 5 percent annual increase in electric vehicle imports.

Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable transport by signing the COP26 declaration to accelerate the transition to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles. 

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