Sand, heat, and camels. The Enyaq RS explores the origins of humankind

During a journey of more than 500 kilometres, the team visited a number of significant locations. In addition to the institute itself, these included the fishing village of Kalokol and the town of Lodwar, which serves as the administrative centre of the region. The route also offered an opportunity to visit a traditional manyatta settlement – an iconic symbol of local culture – where families live in circular huts built from locally sourced materials. 

“Delivering this project required months of careful planning, coordination and collaboration between several teams in the United Kingdom and Kenya. Operating in such a remote part of the world brought specific challenges, but the result is a fascinating journey and a powerful story connecting the origins of humankind with evolution and the future of electric mobility,” said Pietro Panarisi, Head of PR and Communications at Škoda UK. 

After rocky and sandy tracks, travelling on smooth asphalt must feel like a welcome relief. Temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, however, remain. 

A test of endurance 

The Škoda Enyaq Coupé RS entered the extreme conditions of the African wilderness in completely standard specification. The only modification was the fitment of special off-road tyres. Consistent traction was ensured by the all-wheel-drive system, with an electric motor on each axle. On unpaved surfaces, the Traction driving mode proved particularly useful, optimising the all-wheel-drive system for operation in more demanding environments. Optional DCC adaptive suspension (Dynamic Chassis Control) helped the vehicle deal with uneven terrain. 

The Škoda Enyaq RS face to face with African wildlife. In addition to camels, it also encountered Nile crocodiles. 

Driving an electric vehicle in such remote areas may appear to present a logistical challenge due to the absence of fast-charging infrastructure. However, the team utilised three-phase electrical power, commonly found in workshops or industrial buildings. Combined with a portable charging adapter, this enabled the Enyaq to charge at up to 11 kW. Operating an electric vehicle in this region therefore proved entirely feasible. 

The expedition demonstrated that electric mobility can operate confidently even far beyond its traditional comfort zone. 

“Seeing the Enyaq in this extraordinary landscape was a unique experience for everyone involved. It proves that electric mobility is not limited to familiar environments or everyday tasks—it also opens the door to adventure and the exploration of remote corners of the world,” adds Pietro Panarisi.