The historic Rhino Charge finish is more than motorsport, it offers a glimpse into the future of mobility in remote Kenya.
This year’s event was held in the rugged wilderness of Samburu County, where fuel stations are scarce and distances are measured in hours rather than kilometres.
A team of Kenyan engineers set out to test a simple question: could an electric vehicle withstand one of Africa’s toughest off-road competitions?
By the end of the 37th Rhino Charge, they had their answer.
The EV Explorers team in Car No 29 became the first electric vehicle entrants to successfully complete the conservation event, marking a milestone for both motorsport and Kenya’s emerging electric mobility sector.
“What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the vehicle was conceived, designed, fabricated and assembled entirely in Kenya,” said team leader Richard Kiplagat.
He said electric vehicles have largely been associated with urban roads and predictable driving conditions, while Rhino Charge presents the opposite.
The annual event pushes competitors through some of Kenya’s most difficult terrain, including rocky slopes, steep inclines, dry riverbeds and remote landscapes in pursuit of strategically placed checkpoints.
This year’s edition was held in Ngilai Conservancy in Samburu County, about 127 kilometres from the nearest reliable fuel station in Isiolo. The remoteness became part of the test.
“Rather than depending on conventional fuel supplies, the EV Explorers vehicle, Car No 29, was supported by a solar-powered charging trailer fitted with rooftop panels. The concept was simple but ambitious: use renewable energy to demonstrate how electric mobility could function in areas with limited fuel infrastructure,” said team member Christopher Wahome, who also helped build the vehicle. The team did not finish last year’s race.
“This year, we are excited to be among those who completed the race out of the 65 vehicles that registered. We are confident that in the 2027 edition, we will secure a big prize,” said Kiplagat.
The team said they gathered key technical lessons along the way. Although the vehicle was initially fitted with two battery packs with a combined capacity of 124 kilowatt-hours, race data showed that a single 62-kilowatt-hour pack was sufficient to complete the course.
Engineer Nganga Kamau said the finding was significant for future design work. “A lighter battery system means lower weight, improved efficiency and potentially lower production costs,” he said.
The journey was not without setbacks. At one point, the team lost electric charging capability for the winch system used to navigate difficult terrain. Instead of pushing forward aggressively, they adjusted strategy and took a longer but safer route to preserve the vehicle and reach the finish.
The decision proved effective. The vehicle completed the course, providing real-world evidence that electric technology can operate under demanding off-road conditions.
Beyond the technical outcome, the project highlights Kenya’s growing role in electric mobility. The country has one of the world’s greenest electricity grids, with much of its power generated from geothermal, hydro and wind sources.
Electric motorcycles, buses and passenger vehicles are also becoming more visible on Kenyan roads, extending the conversation beyond urban centres.
Organisers of the 2026 Rhino Charge note that Samburu itself presented a relevant backdrop. Known for its wildlife and conservation areas, the region also has strong renewable energy potential, supported by projects such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power plant.
For advocates of electric mobility, this mix presents possibilities for decentralised charging systems powered by local renewable energy.
The project also has a broader social component. In partnership with KCB Foundation, the EV Explorers team plans to launch an innovation challenge targeting female students in technical and vocational institutions across Kenya. The initiative will offer scholarships, internships and mentorship opportunities aimed at increasing participation in engineering and technology fields.
“The Rhino Charge has always been about more than competition. It raises funds for conservation and community development projects through Rhino Ark, helping protect ecosystems and water catchments across Kenya,” said Zack Okoth of the organising team. He added that this year’s event raised more than Sh365 million.
The electric vehicle’s finish adds another layer to the event’s evolving story, linking conservation, innovation and renewable energy in a practical demonstration.
For one weekend in Samburu, a solar-powered vehicle challenged assumptions about what is possible, and pointed to a future where African innovation plays a larger role in shaping mobility.