Plettenberg Game Reserve unveils first battery powered game viewing vehicle

According to owner Leon de Kock, he purchased an electric 3-ton bakkie from Melex Electrovehicles in late 2008.

“We have now converted it into a game viewing vehicle with seats for 10 guests and a canopy. The vehicle runs off a rechargeable 72 volt battery pack using 12 deep cycle electric-car batteries which are stored under the back seat and plugged into the mains at night to charge when demand for electricity is low.

“At an average speed of 25 km per hour, which is ideal for game viewing, the battery lasts for about eight hours. We are presently using it to shuttle guests from the lodge to reception as it will take some time for the game to get used to it and feel comfortable around it – this is because when it is in motion, the vehicle is completely silent!

“Our future plans are to install solar panels on one of our sheds from which we will be able to charge the batteries and become carbon neutral.”

Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is the biggest game reserve in the Southern Cape, situated just 12 km from Plett, one of South Africa’s most popular and beautiful holiday destinations.

Boasting over 2 000 ha of prime land on the Garden Route, the reserve has an abundance of wildlife and superb facilities for both day and overnight visitors.  It offers an exciting child-friendly safari experience in a non-malaria area with an excellent chance of spotting four of Africa’s Big Five – buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino.