We state a 180 km ‘combined driving cycle’ range, with a real-world off-road range of 120-150 km. We therefore can state an electricity consumption of 20 kWh for 90 km, which was tested at Gerotek.

NMC cells have higher energy densities than their LiFePO4 counterparts, allowing for stronger and lighter battery packs. Higher energy density poses inherent higher thermal risk, which Scharf address using our developed dielectric submerged battery systems. 

Our batteries are submerged in dielectric coolant that acts as a cooling medium, insulator and fire retarding agent within the modules. This design feature improves the safety profile of NMC cells to arguably better than ‘dry’ LiFePO4 battery packs.

We address 6 different safety levels within our designs to ensure our batteries meet all current design and testing standards, and suitable for harsh underground operations:

• Cell level: We only use Tier 1 cell suppliers
• Module level: Our cell modules are completely submerged with coolant and designed to withstand all abuse tests as per ECE R100.
• BMS level: Each module is constantly monitored and balanced during charging and discharging.
• Battery pack level: Our battery packs are robustly manufactured and contain only the most reliable and safe components.
• Vehicle level: The entire electrical drive system and high voltage distribution standards have industry leading safety features to minimize shorts, arcs, and thermal run-aways.
• Operational level: Scharf used its vast experience in underground environments to incorporate additional safety elements to ensure the safest possible vehicles for safari applications.

Charging is performed in three methods:

A charging cable is included in the price of a new vehicle.

The DC Charger is a standalone box, and requires 380 V AC (3 ph, 5 wire) 120 kW.

For single phase AC charging; only a relevant 220V wall socket with a 20A circuit breaker.

For three phase AC charging; only a relevant 380V DB socket with a 35A circuit breaker. 

For DC fast charging; a sufficient charging area is required and the power supply needs to be 380 V AC (3 ph + N + E) 140 kVa. Our recommended solution is to install a step-down transformer from the grid for this charger. Generally, we recommend our chargers installed on concrete plinths, under roof.

The battery performance is guaranteed for 2000 charging cycles before degradation in capacity will take place. This practically means that the vehicle is able to maintain full range (180 km) up to 2000 cycles, roughly 6-8 years, before the range will reduce to (+-150 km) for the next years onwards.

Scharf Africa have a network of suppliers that salvage end-of-life batteries and repurpose them for static power storage application, as the performance would still likely exceed lead-acid chemistry batteries. The batteries will thus not be demolished after 6-8 years.

The model is an Alpha Apev 2000, proven unit on commercial bus applications, with performance of 60 kW nominal power and 600 Nm nominal torque. A major criteria of this motor is its regenerative torque capability, which enables motor braking up to -8 % declines.

Existing maintenance on the Toyota transfer case, differentials and brakes are still required, but the electrical drive system and battery is a maintenance free solution. Coolant only needs to be replaced after 2 years dependent on piping degradation. All selected items are designed using robust industrial/off-highway specifications to ensure minimal failures and maximum availability.

This is covered in the section on retail pricing and depends on whether you are buying a complete vehicle, (new or refurbished second-hand), or just an electric conversion.

Although slightly more expensive than a traditional ICE gameviewer, the fuel saving amounts to about R5400 per month for an average game drive cycle.  Additionally, the lower maintenance and longer drivetrain life need to be factored into any costing discussions.

The biggest benefit is the silent operation of the electric game viewer and it’s zero carbon emissions contribution to the whole conservation experience.

Our vehicles are equipped with safety controllers that perform holistic battery-, drive- and vehicle monitoring and management. The controllers have on-board data-logging, fault-finding and troubleshooting systems over and above features such as speed control, motor protection, door/seat belt interlocks, decline speed assist and ISO 21815 CAS ready. Configurable safety interlocks can be incorporated to suit site specific needs.

No, instead of designing the vehicle for speed and acceleration, it was specifically adapted for the mining environment, a robust-, safe- and predictable workhorse. This works perfectly for a safari application with the electrical drive being configured to provide the drive predictable power when negotiating undulating, sandy roads, as commonly found in conservation applications.

Operators and drivers require minimum training, as the vehicle’s HMI is designed with simplicity in mind. Scharf offer complimentary training and certification for operators of clients.

Maintenance should only be conducted by qualified electricians (<1000 V), for which Scharf provide detailed servicing and parts catalogue manuals and training.