Rooivark – the electric vehicle with a purpose

The plight of farmers for an alternative vehicle to patrol their farms was one of the reasons why Alex du Pisani designed and built an electric vehicle (EV) with a purpose.

The vehicle had to be quiet, low on fuel, robust and able to take on almost any terrain.

At the same time, its spare parts must be readily available on the local market and easy to operate.

This is how the Rooivark was born.

The pipe-framed vehicle is fully electric and fitted with normal-sized tyres for higher ground clearance, and can seat two in front and two in the back.

Any extra weight will have an effect on the battery’s range.

Du Pisani says he has tested Rooivark’s performance at a game lodge in the Otjozundjupa region.

It offered long stretches of thick, loose sand, rocky and uneven areas as well as mountainous areas.

Though the vehicle performed well on some terrains, some tweaking and adjustments were needed to improve its performance, he says.

“We tested the vehicle, and there were a couple of problems, so we fine-tuned it and the problems became less.

“We will now go back to the drawing board. We will be back in a month’s time with the correct recipe,” Du Pusani says.

The vehicle’s applications are almost endless.

Due to its ruggedness and stealthiness it is ideal for anti-poaching units and security companies.

It is also suitable for game viewing, since there is no engine noise to disturb nature’s tranquility.

Du Pisani says he made use of local easy accessible spare parts. The vehicle’s braking system is from the Toyota Quantum, while its shocks are from the VW Golf Mk1.

Even the battery system was designed and built in South Africa to keep costs down.

“So, if something breaks, you can easily get it at your local spares dealer,” Du Pisani says.

Unlike other EVs, the Rooivark has a gear shifter to give the feeling of a gearshift in the car.

It also has other functions like charging points for personal electronics.

The vehicle is fitted with an LED light bar and a hand-controlled roof-fitted search light.

The centred instrument cluster offers all the vital information needed by the operator.

Du Pisani says the vehicle has a five years guarantee.

The batteries are South African built and approved by the South African Bureau of Standards.

The battery is built by the same people who built systems for the Dubai Police.

“Because of the remote areas these vehicles will operate in, I had to get the best people I could find in South Africa to build the electronics. So, we need something that is reliable and that will work,” he says.

Although it is only a 2×4, the vehicle can be operated in almost any terrain.

The goal is, however, to soon be able to build the vehicle in Windhoek.

Plans for this are already at an advanced stage.

The vehicle’s range on full charge is around 120km, depending on driving conditions.

For this, the Rooivark needs around four hours of charging time.

It can be charged through a 220V power point, or solar power.

The Rooivark can reach speeds of up to 120km/h.