Examples Used by Maasai Wilderness Trust for Conservation in Kenya
The Rivian R1T shows its diverse potential as a greatly capable electric truck – as much in ease when traversing rough land as when it trounces ICE-powered trucks in a drag race. Its ability is now being depicted by becoming the ideal safari vehicle in Kenya.
Images circulated in numerous Rivian forums and Facebook groups reveal a modified version of the vehicle. A stunning bull bar is displayed upfront; at the back, a two-spare wheel holder can be seen. However, the most prominent transformation corresponds to the removal of the car’s rooftop replaced with seating capable of accommodating up to eight occupants, which is organized in four rows.
There is no pane of glass, allowing those who watch to gain a distinct look of the wildlife and scenery, whilst a rudimentary roof proffers shelter from the scorching African sunlight. With Kenya having their cars drive down the left-hand side of the road, the right-hand drive version of the R1T had to be modified to stay in compliance with the country’s traffic regulations.
The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) and Rivian collaborated on a project last year that included four R1T pickups in the region. These trucks are being utilized to strengthen conservation efforts across reserve areas in South-Eastern Kenya. MWCT praised the key benefit of the silent-moving feature of these vehicles, noting how it is an essential component for successful anti-poaching expeditions.
They are also very quiet, something that helps ensure against spooking the delicate wildlife.Other illustrations exemplify Maasai firefighters and game keepers being conveyed who may have to be urgent in resolving a crisis. It’s indeterminate if this instance is amongst the initial four or if Rivian has supplied another R1T for exploratory expeditions. What’s more, the R1T releases no tailpipe fumes, which is flawless for the robustly secured flora and fauna. In addition, they are utterly noiseless, something that aids in guaranteeing against agitating the sensitive wildlife.
Not long after the start of the endeavor in the latter half of 2019, there were just four Rivians across the continent, and likely still are.
Additionally, its torquey motors make it an ideal off-road vehicle, giving it the capability to handle tough terrains.In Africa, the classic Toyota Land Cruiser 79 is still extremely popular among many wildlife lodges and safari companies. However, the Rivian also has a few tricks that render it just as useful. Powered by an electric drivetrain, the R1T operates noiselessly, thus posing hardly any disturbance to the nearby wildlife. Furthermore, its strong motors make the car unexpectedly capable on off-road landscapes, allowing it to traverse through any terrain with ease.
The advantages also stretch to travelers, letting them take in the scenery and sounds without the rumbling of a farm diesel engine. Even if this is a weaker version with only 600 horsepower, it should still have the capacity to move away quickly if necessary. And what about being charged?
The latest data from the MWCT indicates that Rivians have utilized solar energy to supercharge their battery supplies, a notably ecologically sound action. With regard to electric range, there is no cause for anxiety as the convoy usually travels only relatively short distances at slower speeds.