Kenya wildlife operators adopt solar electric vehicles in Maasai Mara reserve

The short version

• Conservation operators and rangers in Kenya's Maasai Mara reserve are adopting solar-powered electric motorcycles and safari vehicles to lower fuel costs and noise.[ABC News · ABC News · ABC News]
• Rangers use near-silent electric motorcycles built by Nairobi-based ROAM for anti-poaching patrols, which can run roughly 160 kilometers per charge.[ABC News · ABC News · ABC News]
• Converting a standard safari vehicle costs between $35,000 and $45,000, which operators estimate repays itself in under three years.[ABC News · ABC News · ABC News]
• Expanding longer patrols across the reserve will depend on building out dedicated solar charging station infrastructure.[ABC News · ABC News · ABC News]

Key facts

• Rangers in Kenya's Maasai Mara game reserve have been using electric motorcycles for anti-poaching patrols for the past year.[ABC News · ABC News]
• ROAM's electric motorcycles can travel about 160 kilometers between charges.[ABC News · ABC News · ABC News]
• Emboo River Camp has operated electric safari vehicles in the Maasai Mara since 2019.[ABC News · ABC News · ABC News]
• Converting a traditional safari vehicle to electric costs between $35,000 and $45,000, which operators say pays for itself in two and a half to three years.[ABC News · ABC News · ABC News]
• Conservation operators have stated a goal of making the Maasai Mara net zero by 2035.[ABC News · ABC News · ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

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