Electrogenic EV Technology electrifies Land Rovers for Kenya safari

Thanks to Electrogenic’s compact and efficient, UK-developed technology, Sarara’s high-mileage 4x4 fleet has been given a new-lease of all-electric life. The Land Rovers can now drive silently across the stunningly beautiful, super-remote landscape, emitting no tailpipe emissions and causing no noisy disruption to wildlife.

Sarara’s Land Rovers are key to the smooth operation of the extensive 850,000 acre conservancy, transporting supplies around camp, and enabling guests to get up close with a diverse range of wildlife. Namunyak Conservancy has overseen the return of a nomadic population of 6,000 elephants to the Mathews Range and also protects one of the largest herds of giraffes in Africa. Sarara is also known as a "hot spot" for leopard sightings and is home to over 500 bird species.

Electric Defenders keep camp running through rainy season

Electrogenic’s conversion technology has enabled Sarara to keep its fleet of Land Rover Defenders running through the rainy season - a time when fuel deliveries historically could not reach the remote location due to the unpassable, rutted and muddy roads.

The lodge, which is also a conservation centre and elephant orphanage, has previously forced to wind down operations due to these fuel shortages. This year, however, it has been able to remain fully open throughout thanks to the transformative effect of the EV Land Rovers, which are powered by electricity generated by on-site solar panels.

The Land Rovers have also been able to supply electricity to remote lodges which would normally be supplied by generators – simply plug the lodge into the Electrogenic Land Rover’s charge socket, which happily exports 240V AC power.

Steve Drummond, CEO Electrogenic, said: “The electrification of the Sarara Land Rover Defender fleet has been a truly rewarding project for all of us at Electrogenic. It’s exciting to move into the African market for the first time. We’re delighted to now have vehicles powered by Electrogenic driving around on four continents; this is a significant moment for us. Since helping the mechanics at Sarara convert the Land Rovers we’re delighted to report the electrified 4x4s have already proven their worth. They were up and running in time for the region’s rainy season - when the roads become treacherous, preventing deliveries of fuel reaching remote spots”

“The Land Rover Defender package is just one option in Electrogenic’s range of easy to install drop-in kits. The product line-up also includes options for the Land Rover Series models, DeLorean DMC-12, Jaguar E-type (XKE) and Mazda MX-5 (Miata), as well as a self-install kit for the classic Mini. The plug-and-play kits are one expression of Electrogenic’s EV systems integration prowess,” he added.

Electrogenic also delivers turn-key EV powertrain solutions for low-volume car manufacturers (OEMs). These solutions centre around Electrogenic’s unique proprietary SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) software and electronics, which slashes development times for new EVs, and ensures auto manufacturers have central control of all the functions in their vehicles. The result is vehicles that put the owner “in the driver’s seat” and are natural and responsive to drive.

Electrogenic is also renowned for its bespoke EV conversions, which have included a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II electrified for actor Jason Momoa, and an Aston Martin DB6 converted for comedian Jimmy Carr. All conversions are totally reversible, with nothing cut or drilled on the original car.

Cutting-edge EV tech, installed in the wilds of Kenya

Designed and built in Oxford, Electrogenic’s ‘plug-and-play’ EV conversion kits are conceived from the ground up to be straightforward to install; they can be fitted by any trained mechanic with no need for specific EV expertise.

The kits for Sarara’s Land Rovers were shipped to Kenya with all high and low-voltage wiring looms complete and pre-terminated, so they just needed to be attached to the vehicles and connected to the dashboard. Three Land Rovers were converted from diesel to electric in two weeks by the team of on-site mechanics.

Electrogenic’s technicians travelled out to supervise the process and train the Sarara team, who will now work as an official partner installer for Electrogenic in Kenya, helping other African businesses convert their fleets to clean, reliable, all-electric power.

Two of Sarara’s vehicles have been electrified using Electrogenic’s tried and tested E62 kit, which packs a 62kWh battery supplying a 120kW water-cooled motor, delivering a real-world range of 120 miles in mixed on-road driving, with 160 miles plus, for off-road use.  A third Land Rover has been electrified using Electrogenic’s E93 kit, which has a 93kWh battery and 150kW water-cooled motor, delivering a real-world range of 150 miles in mixed on-road driving, with 200 miles plus, for off-road use. (Other variants are also available – more info here.)

The batteries are located under the bonnet for the E62 kit, with additional batteries beneath the boot floor for the E93 kit – ensuring that interior and luggage space are not compromised. Electrogenic’s proprietary drivetrain technology is carefully integrated into the vehicle’s existing architecture, so no modifications are required. The Land Rovers are capable of up to 6.6kW AC charging, as well as rapid CCS charging, for total convenience. A full charge via CCS takes circa 50 minutes for a 62kWh battery.

New-found flexibility; enhanced off-road prowess

The EV converted Defenders have given the Sarara team new-found flexibility and peace of mind, thanks to the plentiful reserves of solar derived electricity. The EV Land Rovers also deliver improved off-road capability thanks to the superior, instant torque provided by the electric motors through the single speed gearbox - perfect for navigating muddy tracks and climbing slippery inclines. Thanks to regenerative braking with configurable hill descent control, there’s excellent control when descending, too: one-pedal driving uphill, downhill and over mixed ground.

The Land Rover conversion kits retain the Land Rover transfer box, providing permanent four-wheel drive, along with high and low range gear select and central differential lock for exceptional off-road driveability. With ample, instantly available torque, all variants make light work of ascents, even when towing a heavy trailer.

Cutting edge technology, developed in Britain

Electrogenic’s conversions – whether bespoke projects or its award-winning range of ‘drop-in’ kits - feature the firm’s sector-leading, proprietary EV technology, which has underpinned the company’s rapid rise and sustained growth in recent years.

All Electrogenic conversions are defined by their quality and depth of engineering, using technology developed in-house by a research and development team comprising leading automotive engineers, programmers, and electrical experts.

Each conversion reflects Electrogenic’s approach of developing and manufacturing its own technology, which includes in-house designed software, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and digital dashboards, plus vehicle management systems that can integrate any of the latest motors, battery modules, to incorporate the best solutions into its conversion packages.

The conversions use highly innovative mechanical componentry, including a unique system for creating high-density battery packs, as well as exceptionally compact in-line and transverse reduction transmission systems, all manufactured in the UK.

Electrogenic’s world-leading bespoke conversions are completed at its Oxford HQ and workshop, while the ‘drop-in’ kit range is offered internationally through a rapidly growing network of partner installers.