First EV Made in Kenya: What We Know So Far

First EV Made in Kenya: What We Know So Far. EV Explorers has just launched Kenya's first electric off-road vehicle, and it's heading straight into one of Africa’s most grueling motorsport events—the Rhino Charge, scheduled for May 31. Built specifically for rugged terrain, this zero-emissions machine marks a huge milestone for sustainable mobility in Kenya and across the African continent. While key specs like range, horsepower, and battery capacity are yet to be revealed, what we know so far is already making waves.

This is the first time in the 35-year history of the Rhino Charge that an electric vehicle will be competing. The event, which raises funds for the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, has already contributed to over 780 kilometers of electric fencing protecting communities from human-wildlife conflict. Now, with EV Explorers in the mix, it's linking environmental conservation with clean transport innovation.

Richard Kiplagat and engineer Nick Foley of EV Explorers are not just building a car—they're making a statement. They're proving that electric vehicles can thrive in extreme conditions while supporting climate action and conservation. And with backing from organizations like Africa Practice, Base Titanium, KenGen, Safaricom, and the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, this initiative is gaining serious momentum.

What makes this even more important is the potential it holds for Africa’s industrial future. If this vehicle proves successful, it could signal the start of locally manufactured EVs designed specifically for African use cases. Right now, most EVs in Africa are assembled from Chinese imports, but this project shows it's possible to build from the ground up on the continent. That changes everything.

Stay tuned—we’ll bring you the full specs and more updates as they come.

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