Explore the RHINO EREV
The RHINO is AOI’s extended-range electric vehicle concept, developed around African roads, climate, operating distances, infrastructure, and customer requirements.
Electric Drive for African Mobility
The RHINO is electrically driven at the wheels at all times. A customer-selected battery provides the primary driving energy, while an onboard generator protects the battery reserve during extended trips and demanding duty cycles.
The generator produces electricity only. It does not mechanically propel the vehicle.
How the RHINO EREV Works
Energy Storage
The battery stores electrical energy from external charging, regenerative braking, and the onboard generator.
Power Control
The inverter and vehicle control system regulate energy flow, propulsion, protection, and generator operation.
Electric Propulsion
Electric traction motors provide smooth torque and drive the wheels directly.
Reserve Protection
When required, the onboard generator produces electricity to protect the approved battery reserve.
Core Operating Principles
Electric Propulsion
The traction motor and inverter convert stored electrical energy into controlled wheel propulsion.
Customer-Selected Battery
Battery capacity can be configured according to range, payload, duty cycle, operating environment, and budget.
Controlled Range Extension
The onboard generator starts and stops according to the approved battery state-of-charge control strategy.
Regenerative Braking
During deceleration, part of the vehicle’s kinetic energy can be recovered and returned to the battery.
Multiple Sources of Electrical Energy
Depending on the final vehicle configuration and operating environment, the RHINO may receive electrical energy from:
- Grid or depot charging
- Solar-supported charging systems
- The onboard range-extender generator
- Regenerative braking during deceleration
All propulsion remains electric at the wheels.
Why an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle?
Less Dependent on Charging Infrastructure
The onboard generator supports continued operation when charging access is limited or unavailable.
Electric Driving Experience
The wheels remain electrically driven, providing smooth torque, quiet operation, and responsive performance.
Flexible Configuration
Battery capacity, generator rating, payload, and body configuration can be matched to different customer needs.
Practical for Demanding Use
The architecture is intended for urban service, intercity travel, fleet operation, and high-utilization duty cycles.
Core Vehicle Systems
Traction Motor and Inverter
Convert battery energy into controlled electric propulsion.
Battery System
Stores driving energy and supports configurable capacity.
Range-Extender Generator
Produces electrical energy to protect the battery reserve.
Vehicle Control System
Coordinates propulsion, charging, protection, diagnostics, and generator operation.
Thermal Management
Maintains the major electrical and mechanical systems within safe operating limits.
Safety and Protection
Supports electrical isolation, fault detection, overcurrent protection, and controlled shutdown.
Designed for African Operating Conditions
The RHINO is being developed around the realities of demanding daily operation rather than ideal laboratory conditions.
- High ambient temperatures and dust
- Uneven and demanding roads
- Long travel distances
- Limited or inconsistent charging access
- High-utilization fleet operation
- Practical local maintenance
- Accessible and serviceable components
One Architecture, Multiple Uses
The RHINO architecture is intended to support future passenger, fleet, shuttle, utility, and light-commercial configurations.
AOI’s objective is not simply to build one vehicle. It is to establish a scalable mobility platform that can evolve with customer demand, manufacturing capability, and African industrial development.
Built for Africa. Engineered to Go Farther.
The RHINO combines electric propulsion, configurable energy storage, controlled range extension, and practical serviceability in one integrated vehicle concept.
Safety • Reliability • Serviceability • Upgradeability • Affordability