UK developer of advanced electric marine drive systems RAD Propulsion is partnering with African safari specialist Pangolin Photo Safaris, with the RAD 40 electric outboard drive system providing power for the new ‘Pangolin Voyager’ houseboat.
This project brings together RAD Propulsion’s 40kW electric drive technology with Pangolin Photo Safaris’ experience in African wildlife and eco-conscious tourism along Botswana’s Chobe River. The houseboat is equipped with four RAD40 drives and two RAD 61 kWh batteries, powered entirely by onboard solar panels. Fully self-sustaining, it offers a silent and sustainable way to explore Africa’s wildlife-rich waterways.
oby Jermyn, co-owner Pangolin Photo Safaris, said: “The Pangolin Voyager represents the culmination of our vision to create truly sustainable wildlife experiences without compromising on comfort or photographic opportunities. By harnessing solar power and incorporating electric propulsion, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint but actually enhancing the safari experience through quieter cruising, allowing our guests to get closer to the amazing wildlife. We conducted an extensive search for the right partner to solve the propulsion question during the build and were delighted when we found RAD Propulsion. Their drive design was like nothing else we found and was complemented by the ‘can-do’ attitude from their engineers. Choosing RAD Propulsion to partner with us on this build was an easy decision.”
The Pangolin Voyager features five en-suite cabins, configured as either doubles or twins, accommodating up to 10 guests and carries an 8-seater electric photo boat.
Jermyn said: “The Chobe River offers some of the best game viewing and photographic opportunities in Africa, particularly for elephant photography. Alongside the houseboat, our new electric photo boat, also powered by RAD, recharges from the main houseboat and operates during optimal lighting conditions without worrying about engine noise and vibrations disrupting our subjects.”
The RAD 40 system is a complete plug-and-play solution for electric propulsion. Key features include:
- Silent operation
- Compact design with greater thrust than an equivalent internal combustion engine
- Independently controlled front and rear 180-deg steering gives high manoeuvrability
- Zero emissions
- Reduced maintenance, with no fuel costs and increased reliability.
Peter Byford, RAD Propulsion CTO, said: “Partnering with Pangolin Photo Safaris on the Pangolin Voyager demonstrates how electric propulsion can transform the environmental footprint of marine tourism and the quality of the guest experience. Our RAD 40 system delivers the precision and quiet needed for wildlife photography, and we’re proud to be powering a project that aligns so closely with our mission to accelerate the shift to smarter, cleaner marine travel.”
Image: ‘Pangolin Voyager’ (source: RAD Propulsion)
