Volvo Car South Africa Drives Sustainability Forward

Volvo Car South Africa Drives Sustainability Forward with Electrified Mobility for Wildlife Conservation

As the world celebrates World Wildlife Day this March, Volvo Car South Africa is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and conservation by showcasing the transformative impact of electrified mobility in wildlife preservation. Recognising the vital role of flora and fauna in maintaining ecological balance, Volvo advocates for responsible exploration of natural landscapes—minimising human impact while maximising the experience of nature.

Leading this initiative is Volvo Ambassador and conservationist Shandor Larenty, who is pioneering the use of electrified vehicles for safari and game-viewing. By significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution, these vehicles allow for a more immersive and eco-friendly wildlife experience.

“Switching to electrified vehicles in wildlife settings isn’t just about cutting emissions—it’s about preserving the natural harmony,” says Larenty. “Without the intrusive noise and fumes of traditional engines, we can witness animals in their truest form while protecting the ecosystems that make these encounters possible. It’s a step towards a future where conservation and exploration coexist, ensuring these landscapes remain untouched for generations to come.”

To showcase the potential of electrified mobility, Larenty recently embarked on a 437 km journey from Johannesburg to the Botswana border in the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge, a luxury seven-seat plug-in hybrid (PHEV). With a combined 340 kW and 709 N.m of torque, the XC90 T8 Recharge offers both power and efficiency, boasting a fuel consumption as low as 1.8L/100 km and CO₂ emissions of just 40 g/km. Thanks to its 18.8 kWh battery, the vehicle provides up to 77 km of all-electric driving range—enabling near-silent, zero-emission game drives. Upon reaching the game reserve, Larenty completed the safari using only electric power, with 24 km of range still available. A simple overnight AC charge ensured another full day of emissions-free exploration.

Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing & Communications at Volvo Car South Africa, emphasises the brand’s dedication to sustainability: “Wildlife conservation is deeply connected to the choices we make in mobility. As human activity expands, we must embrace solutions that lessen our environmental impact. Advancing electrified mobility isn’t just about innovation—it’s about responsibility. The shift to cleaner transportation is one of the most immediate and effective ways to contribute to the preservation of our planet’s natural ecosystems.”

Volvo continues to lead the way in electrification, offering a diverse range of mild-hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fully electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa. These include the XC60 and XC90 Recharge models, the all-electric XC40 Recharge, C40 Recharge, the award-winning EX30, and the highly anticipated EX90.