Two Approaches to Electric Safari Vehicles – Retrofitting vs. Full Electric Purchase

As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity in the safari industry, particularly in Kenya, there are two primary ways to acquire an EV: retrofitting an existing vehicle or buying a fully electric vehicle. Both options have their own advantages, costs, and suitability for safari operators. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two approaches, helping camps decide which option best fits their needs and sustainability goals.


1. Retrofitting a Traditional Safari Vehicle

Retrofitting involves converting a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) safari vehicle into an electric vehicle by replacing the engine with an electric motor, installing batteries, and upgrading certain systems.

Emboo River Camp in the Masai Mara has set an example of sustainability by retrofitting traditional safari vehicles with electric components. This process involves converting diesel-powered safari vehicles into fully electric, 100% solar-powered vehicles, a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions in wildlife tourism. Let’s explore the key steps of this retrofitting process, the associated costs, the benefits, and estimated payback periods.

How It Works:

  • Engine Removal: The existing diesel or petrol engine and gearbox are removed.
  • Electric Motor Installation: An electric motor, typically powered by lithium-ion batteries, is installed to replace the engine.
  • Battery Integration: Batteries are fitted to store the energy required for game drives. Many camps, like Emboo River Camp, utilize solar-powered charging systems to keep their vehicles 100% emission-free.
  • Software Upgrades: In many cases, a touchscreen interface and other control systems are installed to provide real-time monitoring of battery life, performance, and charging status.

Benefits:

  • Cost-Effective Transition: Retrofitting allows camps to reuse existing vehicles, saving on the full cost of purchasing a new electric vehicle. The cost of conversion typically ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle size and modifications.
  • Sustainability: Vehicles can be charged using renewable energy sources like solar, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
  • Customization: Existing safari vehicles can be customized to maintain safari-specific features, such as open sides and elevated platforms for game viewing.

Challenges:

  • Initial Investment: While retrofitting is cheaper than buying new EVs, the upfront cost can still be significant, particularly for smaller operators.
  • Maintenance of Older Parts: While the engine and gearbox are replaced, other parts of the vehicle may still require regular maintenance.
  • Battery Range: Retrofitted vehicles might have a shorter range compared to fully designed electric vehicles, depending on the battery system used.

Ideal for:

Operators looking to transition to electric vehicles while leveraging their existing fleet, especially those with a strong focus on sustainability and solar-powered infrastructure.


2. Purchasing a Fully Electric Safari Vehicle

The second approach is buying a fully electric vehicle that is designed from the ground up to be electric. These vehicles are built with purpose-built electric platforms, providing performance and efficiency optimized for electric power.

Campi ya Kanzi, located in the Chyulu Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro, is pioneering with this method providing eco-friendly safaris with a fleet of solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs). In partnership with Rivian, the camp has introduced custom-designed electric pickups specifically adapted for the African wilderness. These vehicles not only enhance game drives with zero emissions but also support conservation, education, and healthcare initiatives through the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT), benefiting the local Maasai community.

How It Works:

  • Direct Purchase: EV manufacturers like Rivian offer purpose-built electric safari vehicles, custom-designed for rugged terrains.
  • Advanced Features: Full EVs come with built-in advanced technologies, such as higher-capacity batteries, efficient power management, and specialized off-road capabilities. For instance, Campi ya Kanzi uses Rivian electric pickups, custom-built to handle the unique demands of safari terrain, including increased ground clearance, reinforced suspension, and open sides for wildlife viewing.
  • Solar Charging Compatibility: Like retrofitted vehicles, fully electric safari vehicles can be charged via solar panels, making them completely emission-free.

Electric Vehicle Features

The Rivian open-sided safari vehicle is designed for optimal wildlife viewing while minimizing the impact on the environment. Key features include:

  • Silent Operation: The electric motors provide a quiet driving experience, allowing guests to get closer to wildlife without the disruptive noise of traditional engines.
  • Open-Sided Design: The vehicle’s open sides offer unobstructed views, enhancing the game drive experience by allowing intimate, undisturbed wildlife interactions.
  • Solar-Powered Charging: Like Emboo River Camp, Campi ya Kanzi utilizes solar energy to power its vehicles. Solar panels installed at the camp charge the vehicles, ensuring that all operations are carbon-neutral.
  • Durability and Performance: The Rivian electric vehicles are built to withstand the tough conditions of the savanna, with high ground clearance, rugged tires, and a suspension system optimized for off-road performance.

Benefits:

  • Optimized Design: Since these vehicles are built as electric from the start, they are fully optimized for electric performance, with higher ranges and advanced features.
  • Long-Term Durability: These vehicles are built with newer materials and technologies, meaning fewer parts require maintenance and repairs over time.
  • Enhanced Battery Life: Full EVs often have higher-capacity batteries and longer ranges, allowing them to handle longer game drives with fewer charges.

Challenges:

  • High Upfront Costs: Purchasing a fully electric vehicle can cost significantly more than retrofitting, with prices ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the vehicle’s size and capabilities.
  • Limited Models: The availability of fully electric safari vehicles is still growing, with fewer models designed specifically for safari use compared to traditional vehicles.

Ideal for:

Luxury safari operators or camps looking for long-term sustainability solutions with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, like Campi ya Kanzi, which benefits from Rivian’s advanced electric pickups.


3. Cost Comparison and Payback

OptionUpfront CostFuel & Maintenance SavingsPayback PeriodSuitability
Retrofitting$30,000 to $45,000$10,000 to $12,000 per year3 to 4 yearsSmall to mid-sized camps transitioning to EVs
Fully Electric Purchase$70,000 to $100,000$12,000 to $15,000 per year5 to 6 yearsLuxury camps with higher budgets and a long-term sustainability vision

Conclusion

Both retrofitting and purchasing fully electric vehicles are excellent approaches to reducing the environmental impact of safari operations, though each has its advantages. Retrofitting is cost-effective and allows camps to keep using their existing vehicles, while buying full-fledged electric vehicles offers the latest technology and longer battery life, though at a higher upfront cost.

For camps like Emboo River Camp, retrofitting offers an affordable way to go green using solar power, while Campi ya Kanzi benefits from Rivian’s cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, offering a premium, emission-free safari experience.

Each camp or safari operator should consider their operational needs, budget, and long-term sustainability goals when deciding between these two paths to electric safari vehicles.