Climate change, destruction of eco-systems, carbon emissions and natural disasters are increasingly more common. How many of us set the intention to take responsibility for these issues? We should act on Gandhi’s advice by being the change we want to see in the world.
Eco tourism is the most fitting place for a sustainable approach to be taken. Yet still we all drive game viewers that emit fumes, utilize electricity powered with fossil fuels and use products that are nonessential.
Zero Emissions Safari Vehicle
Developing a sustainable lifestyle does not come about overnight though. It is a gradual shift in thinking and requires all parties concerned to understand the higher ideal. It it and culture.
Our current driver in this movement is the Zero Emissions Safari vehicle. The first of its kind, this electric powered Land Rover is now well into phase two of the project. Using a recycled Londolozi Land Rover’s body, the vehicle runs smoothly, silently and with no emissions, other than that of the electricity used to charge it. Costing six cents as opposed to six rand per liter is a further key element in this project’s contribution towards sustainability.
Harnessing the power of natural energy is our next goal. If you can imagine solar panels charging long lasting lithium ion batteries, providing sustainable and free energy then you can imagine the future of this project.
This process not only sensitizes us to the needs of our environment but also to the needs of our guests. With the wealth of affordable digital photographic equipment available and the appeal of wildlife photography, our specialized photographic safari vehicle is popular. This modified Land Rover is designed to give photographers a unique opportunity to take great pictures. Swiveling seats, Wimberley heads, video and SLR cameras, night vision goggles and a rifle microphone are there to enhance the safari experience.
Although there are many issues we can’t change, we are taking the journey of working towards the things that we can both for our treasured environment and for our guests. We would love to hear what you think of the vehicles as well as any ideas that you think could make your safari even better.
Great article, the environmental and conservation ethos is still a major factor in the way londolozi operates, great to see, a leader in the industry. Great to have daily sightings posted on this Blog. Keep up the great work, look forward to future contributions.
Hi there,
Congrats for your efforts towards Zero Emissions! A exemple to follow…
But I have 2 technical questions:
– how long is the autonomy of the batteries at the moment?
– can you switch to the petrol engine in case of lack of battery or if you need further power (in case the Landy gets stuck for example)?
Thanks
All my best for the future…
Gregoire
Hi Gregoire,
Thanks for your comment. With regard to your questions, the present batteries will last for around 3 – 4 hrs at a time if the vehicle is going at a top speed of 70km/h. The battery life per charge will be significantly increased if the vehicle is driven at a slower speed. The lifespan of the our current batteries is a few years. With the move to Lithium ion batteries in the future, the life span will be greatly enhanced on both accounts.
We have completely removed the engine from the vehicle, so there is no option of switching to petrol. Under the hood is a bank of batteries as well as the motor drive which is what creates the vehicle’s momentum. The vehicle has plenty of torque from the start and performs as well as our fuel powered Land Rovers over dirt, sand, riverbeds and rocky hillsides.
Thanks again for your comment and interest,
Rich
What can I say? Just impressive!
I hope the rest of the industry will follow…
In term of initial investments, do you guess this technology can be developed on a large scale? Is it a Londolozi personal project or is it run by Land Rover in association with you?
Take care,
Kind Regards from France
Gregoire
We also look forward to the industry following our lead. It is ultimately about the larger goal of reducing our carbon footprint. It is a personal Londolozi project that has been driven and funded through our own financing. We have worked in association with a company called Genesys who did the actual installation, etc of the electric motor drive and batteries. Whether or not Land Rover gets involved remains to be seen, however we are going to keep pioneering the project forward to where we want to take it.
I think that you will see a general trend over the next 3 years of a massive output of commercial electric vehicles worldwide. This will aid us hugely in implementing dynamic technology. Looking forward to taking you for a drive in the vehicle when you are next here.
Keep well and keep posted,
Rich
Hi Rich,
Happy New Year to all the staff at Londolozi.
How is the Zero Emissions project doing?
Are you using it full time on Game Drives? Are you planning to construct some more? Any feedback from others safari operators?
Thanks,
Keep well,
Gregoire