Thula ESV 4×4 electric safari truck offers silent rides and 200 km of range

South African company Thula Solutions has started series production of the ESV 4×4 electric safari vehicle, which was designed from the ground up as a fully electric machine rather than a converted diesel model. The focus is on quiet operation and vibration-free running, letting tourists, scientists, and park staff approach wild animals without disturbance.

The key selling point is the absence of vibrations, which allows photographers to shoot ultra-high-definition images without motion blur. The company's website claims the vehicle provides "stunning photography opportunities without the distraction of engine vibrations." Additionally, there is no diesel exhaust, so the air stays cleaner and animals remain calmer and more natural, making such shots different from typical safari photos taken from conventional vehicles.

Technically, the ESV 4×4 rides on a purpose-built off-road chassis with long-travel independent suspension on all four wheels. It is powered by a 225 kW (about 302 hp) electric motor fed by a 65-kWh battery pack, with a claimed range of 200 km. That is modest by passenger EV standards, but for a safari vehicle that crawls through game reserves loaded with passengers and gear, it is enough for up to three full days of operation between charges.

Development took several years: the company posted a test video on its YouTube channel three years ago. Now the ESV is in series production, and some units have already been shipped abroad, making Thula an international electric truck brand. The company notes that its machines let passengers hear the sounds of nature rather than the noise and smell of diesel engines, which is part of a more immersive wildlife experience.