Sarara, a stunning Safari ecolodge destination and foundation in Kenya run by the local Samburu community, has converted some of its fleet of Land Rovers to electric power in partnership with Electrogenic.
Three kits were shipped to northern Kenya to be installed at the remote camp, which is home to 6000 elephants and one of Africa’s largest herds of giraffes. Two of the vehicles are powered by the 120-160+ mile E62 kit, while another can go further courtesy of its E93 kit. The latter can travel 200 miles used off road, or 150 in mixed road use.
Its batteries have been installed in the capacious engine bay of the Land Rovers, plus under the boot floor, and they can be fast charged in less than an hour.
The new power source ensures the Land Rovers are not reliant on fuel deliveries, which are often affected by flooded roads, and instead use solar panels to keep their batteries charged.
Rolling out these conversions marks the next chapter for Land Rovers in Kenya,” said Jeremy Bastard, CEO of The Sarara Foundation. “These Defenders really are part of the fabric of Sarara: over the years they’ve built camps, worked in conservation, and crossed flooding rivers - we even learnt to drive in them. They’ve been endlessly loaded with supplies, and served up unforgettable memories for guests on game drives.
“The vehicles had been rebuilt countless times over the years, and we couldn’t wait to take the next step and usher in a new, electrified era guided by innovation and practicality.”
“The EV Land Rovers immediately had an impact,” added Steve Drummond of Electrogenic. “The Sarara team could rely on them when their supply of diesel ran dry, charging the vehicles using on-site solar panels, and ensuring the camp could keep running smoothly.”
“I am also personally proud to be working with Sarara,” continued Steve. “It represents the very best of conservation and community action, ensuring their magnificent natural environment is thriving for future generations.”
Sarara’s technicians have also become an installation partner with Electrogenic, which means it will be easier to clean up more vehicles in the region. Robert Lemayian, who is general manager of Sarara Camps, said: “Our mechanics loved collaborating with Electrogenic in the workshop. It was a new thing for the team, and they were truly inspired by all the things they learned. When we tackle the next round of vehicle conversions, they’ll be able to take on more!”
He added that by converting existing vehicles it was more cost effective and ‘more planet-friendly’, enabling them to invest funds elsewhere in the project. “As a community, we believe in green energy, and in time, we aim to transition all of our cars to electric power,” he added. “There is immense value to the environment in that.”
