Volvo Car South Africa reinforces its commitment to sustainability by showcasing the benefits of electrified vehicles in wildlife preservation.
As the world celebrates World Wildlife Day in March, Volvo Car South Africa reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and conservation through innovative mobility solutions. Recognising the crucial role of flora and fauna in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, Volvo advocates for responsible exploration of natural landscapes.
Volvo Ambassador Shandor Larenty, a dedicated conservationist, is championing the use of electrified vehicles in safari and game-viewing. By reducing emissions and noise pollution, these vehicles offer a more sustainable and immersive experience in nature.
“Switching to electrified vehicles in wildlife settings isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about preserving the natural balance,” said Larenty. “Without the noise and fumes of traditional engines, we can observe animals in their purest state while protecting the ecosystems we rely on for these experiences. It’s a step toward a future where conservation and exploration go hand in hand, ensuring that these landscapes remain untouched for generations.”
To demonstrate the capabilities of electrified mobility, Larenty recently embarked on a 437 km road trip from Johannesburg to the Botswana border in the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge, the Swedish brand’s luxury seven-seat plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The XC90 T8 Recharge delivers a combined 340 kW and 709 N.m of torque, yet it remains one of the most efficient vehicles in its class, with a claimed fuel consumption of just 1.8L/100 km and CO2 emissions as low as 40 g/km.
Thanks to its 18.8 kWh battery, the XC90 T8 Recharge offers up to 77 km of all-electric driving range, enabling near-silent game drives with zero tailpipe emissions. On arrival at the game reserve, Larenty completed the safari experience entirely on electric power, with a 24 km range remaining. Recharging overnight using an AC charger ensured another full day of emissions-free exploration.
“Wildlife conservation is inseparable from the choices we make in mobility,” said Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing & Communications at Volvo Car South Africa. “As human activity expands, we must find ways to minimise our impact on the environment. Advancing electrified mobility isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about responsibility. The transition to cleaner transportation is one of the most immediate and effective ways we can contribute to the preservation of natural ecosystems.”
Volvo is committed to electrification and currently offers a wide range of mild-hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles (EVs) on the South African market. These include the XC60 and XC90 Recharge models and the fully electric XC40 Recharge, C40 Recharge, award-winning EX30, and soon-to-be-launched EX90.
