The electric motorcycle was named Kalk AP. AP stands for anti-poaching or anti-poaching. CAKE hopes that this solar-powered motorcycle can help the mission of an environmental organization in South Africa, Southern African Wildlife College (SWAC), in tackling wildlife poaching more effectively.
The jungle terrain in Africa is so difficult that it hinders efforts to prevent illegal hunting of animals. Using motorbikes and cars is quite effective but often faces fuel constraints so it is less efficient. Using a helicopter is like telling illegal hunters from a distance to immediately run or hide because of the sound it makes. Not to mention the impact the plane’s sound has on wildlife.
CAKE collaborated with the Goal Zero company, which has developed a lot of environmentally friendly technology to help create this special motorcycle. It was Goal Zero that helped design the solar-powered battery, eliminating the motorcycle’s need for gasoline or traditional power supplies. These motorbikes will be used by forest rangers in South Africa.
David Rosner is the Goal Zero engineer who co-designed the battery. “The people of South Africa really need this product. These vehicles can help save endangered African animals. With this motorbike, we can create a better environmental ecosystem,” he explained.
Theresa Sowry, CEO of SAWC, welcomed the presence of this solar-powered motorcycle. “Southern African Wildlife College sees this as a long term partnership. We will monitor and evaluate the use of this very interesting innovative conservation solution. We are very proud to partner with CAKE and Goal Zero to test bikes off-road this electricity considering the impact it can have in tackling poaching across Africa.”
The initiatives held by CAKE and Goal Zero can be implemented through the “Buy One, Give One” charity campaign. This means that one Kalk AP sold to the public will require CAKE and Goal Zero to donate one similar motorcycle to SWAC. The two companies will even donate part of their profits to SWAC’s operational programs.
The motorbike is being offered for $25,000 per unit along with solar panels for charging. The price is quite expensive, because the buyer is also considered a contributor to the efforts to save the environment in South Africa. Anyone can order it on ridecake.com starting next September by paying a $1,000 sign-off. This 80 kilogram motorbike has a maximum speed of 90 kilometers per hour. [ab/uh]