The locally developed electric safari vehicle proves that quiet travel and cleaner tourism can coexist. The Thula Electric Safari Vehicle was unveiled at Kruger National Park, marking an important step in South African innovation and sustainable safari experiences.
There is an unforgettable feeling when you hear the awakening of the African bush: the distant cry of a fish eagle, the rustle of grass as antelopes move across the fynbos plain, or the low rumble of elephants somewhere beyond the trees. However, for decades, these moments were often accompanied by the constant drone of a diesel engine.
The new development from South Africa aims to change this situation. The Thula Electric Safari Vehicle (ESV), described as the first purpose-built fully electric vehicle for safaris, was recently presented at the South African Sustainable Energy Conference (SASEC) in Skukuza, Kruger National Park. This vehicle was specifically designed for African safari conditions to provide a quieter, cleaner, and more immersive wildlife viewing experience while demonstrating local engineering capabilities.
Unlike many electric vehicles currently used in tourism, the Thula ESV was not modified from an existing SUV. It was designed from scratch as a safari vehicle. The project, founded by entrepreneur Gary Davis, aims to meet the unique needs of African reserves while keeping production predominantly local. Most of the vehicle is manufactured in South Africa, with only electric motors and a small number of specialized components being imported.
The vehicle is powered by a 65 kWh battery, which provides an approximate range of about 200 kilometers. According to the developers, this is enough for about three days of regular safari operations before needing recharging, especially at lodges that already use solar energy.
The name Thula, which means 'be quiet' or 'be still' in Nguni languages, reflects exactly what the vehicle hopes to achieve. Without the noise of a diesel engine, guides can continue talking while driving, and guests can hear the sounds that often define the safari experience. Birdsong overhead, the buzzing of insects in the grass, and the distant movements of wild animals become part of the journey, rather than background noise. The absence of exhaust fumes also creates more comfortable conditions for both guides and visitors.
Beyond improving the safari experience, the project demonstrates what collaboration in South Africa can achieve. The chassis was developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Pretoria's Vehicle Dynamics Group, while Cape Town-based company Balancell supplied the battery technology. Funding from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) also helped take the project beyond a prototype.
The team hopes to eventually produce around 50 vehicles per month at a specialized manufacturing facility.
Safari lodges across South Africa are increasingly investing in renewable energy sources and seeking practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Electric safari vehicles could be a natural extension of this shift, especially in off-grid, solar-powered lodges. Although challenges such as charging infrastructure, purchase cost, and scaling production remain, the Thula ESV shows that sustainable transport for safaris is becoming a realistic option, not a distant idea. For travelers, this could mean a future where the loudest sound during a morning safari is not the engine, but the cry of a fish eagle echoing through the bush.
Chery South Africa is preparing to launch its fully electric hatchback, the Chery Q, in early September, with a starting price of 350,000 rand.
The arrival of the Chery Q places it in competition with models such as the Geely E2 Aspire (339,900 rand), BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort (341,900 rand), and Dongfeng Box E2 430 (349,000 rand).
Varane Petersen, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Chery South Africa, stated that the development of the Q aims to make electric vehicles an accessible option for a larger segment of South African residents. She emphasized that the compact dimensions make the car suitable for urban environments while retaining the necessary volume, range, and daily practicality required by buyers.
The Chery Q measures 4,195 mm in length, 1,811 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. These dimensions are designed to maximize interior space without sacrificing external compactness. The vehicle features a closed front grille, Q-shaped LED headlights, semi-flush door handles, two-tone side mirrors, and a floating rear pillar design.
Depending on the trim level, the Chery Q can be fitted with either 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels. The body design has received the Red Dot Product Design Award, and the six-layer paint finish is guaranteed to have anti-corrosion protection for 10 years.
The cabin includes a two-tone dashboard, contrasting air vents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Instead of a traditional console, gear shifting is managed via a selector mounted on the column, freeing up additional storage space. The trunk capacity is 375 liters, which increases to 1,450 liters when the rear seats are folded down. There is also a front storage compartment with a capacity of 70 liters.
Technological features include an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen with 2.5k resolution, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. The infotainment system supports a customizable home screen and gesture control. More advanced versions are equipped with intelligent driver assistance systems and automatic parking functionality.
This compact electric vehicle is positioned as an entry-level option into the world of electric transport. It is powered by a 90-kilowatt electric motor combined with a 42.7 kWh battery pack, providing a claimed range of up to 400 km under the NEDC cycle.
Customers who place a pre-order for the Chery Q will receive a seven-year warranty on the vehicle covering 150,000 km, along with a home charging station and portable charging equipment. Buyers can also choose between a charging card equivalent to the deposit amount or a purchase discount of the same value. Final model specifications and pricing for various trims will be announced closer to the September launch.
