A Kenyan team, sponsored by Kenya Breweries’ White Cap brand, aims to make history at the Rhino Charge with a locally built fully electric off-road competition vehicle for one of the nation’s most challenging motorsport events.
The EV Explorers team, led by Timothy Kabiru, will participate in the 2026 Rhino Charge in Samburu County this Saturday with a re-engineered electric vehicle aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and demonstrating Kenya’s expanding engineering and innovation capabilities.
Kabiru stated that the team’s connection with the Rhino Charge began in the late 1990s when they first attended as spectators.
“We were captivated by the event from the start. Beyond conservation efforts, the Rhino Charge allows you to experience Kenya in its most natural state. It traverses various regions of the country and fosters a deep appreciation for our environment and landscapes,” he explained.
After that initial experience, the group formed a team and started competing with a Jeep J8 featuring a 6-litre V8 engine. Over approximately a decade, the team successfully completed the Rhino Charge five times, with their best result being a fifth-place finish.
After taking a break from competition, the team started exploring ways to return in a manner more aligned with the conservation principles championed by the event.
“Three years ago, we challenged ourselves not merely to compete again, but to reconsider our approach to competition. If the event centers on conservation, then how could we participate while also contributing to conservation? That question inspired the concept of developing a fully electric vehicle,” Kabiru elaborated.
The EV Explorers debuted their electric vehicle in competition last year, reaching six checkpoints before mechanical issues forced them to withdraw.
“The vehicle performed remarkably well, but we underestimated the torque generated by the electric drivetrain. This resulted in a broken transfer box and loss of four-wheel drive, preventing us from continuing,” he explained.
Subsequently, the team has implemented significant upgrades to enhance reliability and performance, such as installing a heavy-duty transfer box, reinforcing the drivetrain and prop shafts, recalibrating throttle response, and incorporating additional safety and performance improvements.
Kabiru expressed confidence that the modifications will enhance their prospects for this year.
“Numerous uncertainties remain since no one has previously competed with a fully electric vehicle at the Rhino Charge, but we are gaining knowledge daily and are optimistic that this year we will be able to complete the event,” he stated.
The project has attracted support from corporate partners, including White Cap, which is sponsoring the team’s participation.
Kabiru explained that the partnership stems from common values regarding conservation, sustainability, and local innovation.
“The EV Explorers and White Cap share numerous values. Both organizations are dedicated to preserving Kenya’s natural beauty and developing sustainable solutions locally. Support from corporate partners is essential because events such as the Rhino Charge demand substantial resources, and these collaborations help raise awareness about both conservation and innovation,” he pointed out.
Beyond the competition, the team hopes the project will foster broader conversations about electric mobility and Kenya’s manufacturing capabilities.
“We take pride in this being a 100 percent Kenyan-built vehicle. We believe it can inspire younger generations, stimulate innovation in electric mobility, and potentially help establish an industry focused on converting combustion vehicles to electric ones or eventually creating our own Kenyan electric vehicles for daily use,” Kabiru added.
The 2026 Rhino Charge, scheduled for May 30 in Samburu County, will unite competitors, conservationists, and adventure enthusiasts to support environmental conservation efforts led by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust.