They dreamt of a green journey through Africa with a project perfectly suited to the times, and they made it happen. Their inspiration: a historic expedition from the 1920s. Éric Vigouroux, a former Dakar Rally driver (with no less than 15 participations), along with three companions, are about to embark on a symbolic journey across the African continent starting on October 28. This date holds special significance, as it marks the same day in 1924 when André Citroën initiated an automobile expedition in Africa.
A hundred years after one of the boldest expeditions of the past, another will begin in Ouarzazate, Morocco, and end in Cape Town, South Africa. The green expedition team intends to take their time, avoiding any rush. Their mission is to enjoy the landscapes and connect with people along the way, with the spirit of adventure as their guiding principle.
During this 14,000-kilometer odyssey along the west coast, passing through Senegal, Congo, and Angola, the Citroën Ami vehicles will recharge their batteries at all existing renewable energy production sites. Far from the thrill of speed, the minimum five-hour daily recharge time will allow the adventurers to satisfy their thirst for discovery. The chosen vehicle, one of the most compact electric cars available, is made in Morocco and distributed across Europe, with a top speed of 45 km/h. Modified for the occasion, a solar kit consisting of 40 panels installed near the passenger seat will provide the electricity needed to power the expedition, enabling them to cover about 250 kilometers per day, with an expected arrival in Cape Town by mid-January.
Beyond geopolitical challenges (the route is not identical to the one followed in 1924, and much of the Sahel-Saharan region will be bypassed for safety reasons), Éric Vigouroux and his team want to shine a light on sustainable mobility. While André Citroën launched this adventure in 1924 to showcase the reliability of his cars and the technological advances of the time, today's adventurers are convinced that current and future technologies can provide Africa with the opportunity to harness clean energy for transportation.
The four adventurers left France on Tuesday, October 22. To document and share this beautiful adventure, they are accompanied by a filmmaker, who is also riding an electric motorcycle. This is proof that sustainable mobility and tourism, even on the African continent, can make for a perfect match!
