In December last year we already mentioned the partnership between CAKE, the Southern African Wildlife College and Goal Zero. Today, the new Kalk AP (Anti-Poaching) is announced and presented, a special Kalk that has been redefined and optimized for rangers working to protect wildlife in the harsh conditions of the African bush. The Kalk AP is a critical component of CAKE’s recently launched initiative, the Electric Bush Bike Anti-Poaching Act, which aims to help organizations in Africa combat the devastating effects of poaching on the continent’s most endangered species.
Article posted at THE PACK in December 2020:
Source: press release CAKE | The Kalk AP has been developed in tandem with staff at the Southern African Wildlife College to ensure the motorbikes can successfully serve rangers in their work. Later this year, the CAKE Kalk AP will enter field operations when the SAWC begins formally testing and utilizing the motorcycles with the associated Goal Zero solar kits as part of its educational curriculum and training. Using motorbikes is an essential part of anti-poaching in Africa. Today these bikes run on inaccessible gasoline and their noise warns poachers miles away: Unsustainable and inefficient. By utilizing CAKEs electric off-road motorcycles, the goal is to increase efficiency in catching poachers by quietly sneaking upon them. Later this year, the CAKE Kalk AP will enter field operations when the SAWC begins formally testing the motorcycles with the associated Goal Zero solar kits as part of its educational curriculum and training.
“Solar power, new technology, and a new category of vehicles that help save endangered species in Africa. This is a perfect example of purpose meeting sustainability,” commented founder and CEO of CAKE, Stefan Ytterborn. “We are extremely honored to be able to work with our partners on this initiative and to contribute to developing the means to help curb poaching in the region.”
The Kalk AP is available for purchase as part of a ‘buy-one-give-one’ charity campaign that funds the initiative. CAKE and Goal Zero will also donate their profit margin from these sales directly to the SAWC. When a customer purchases a Kalk AP, an identical twin is made and delivered to an anti-poaching unit active in one of the 25 national parks where the Southern African Wildlife College manages anti-poaching teams.
Additionally, purchasing a Kalk AP also covers the donation of a solar panel and power station kit from Goal Zero that enables the twin bike to operate in the African bush independent from the electric power grid on an ongoing, self-sufficient mission to protect wildlife. All twin bikes are also connected via the CAKE connectivity platform, meaning that a customer can stay connected to the sibling bike that is in the bush. The customer will receive continuous updates on where it is, what is happening, and what good it has achieved. CAKE will also receive these notifications and will share ongoing achievements in various channels.
Customers looking to support the Electric Bush Bike Anti-Poaching Act by purchasing a Kalk AP can do so by reserving a model for $1000 at ridecake.com. The total cost of a Kalk AP, the donation of a Kalk AP, and the solar panel / solar kit is $25,000 with delivery starting September 2021.
Kalk AP specifications
The Kalk AP weighs just 176lbs / 80kgs and uses a 50A / 2.6kWh battery to deliver a peak motor output of 11kW and 3+ hours of ride time. This powerful system results in 42nM of torque at the hub, 280nM of torque on the wheel, and propels the bike to top speeds over 56mph / 90kph. The bike features CAKE’s three ride modes and three braking modes while also using the same gearing as the Kalk OR / Kalk INK with an 80T rear sprocket and 12T front sprocket.
Furthermore, the software has been adjusted to enable the bike to deal with higher temperatures, and specific heat driving characteristics have also been modified—for example, achieving high speeds may not be as necessary as torque at low speeds. Like all CAKE models, the battery is removable and can be charged while on the bike or separately.
The robust and specifically developed front and rear suspension cater to low maintenance without sacrificing performance. A sealed motor means the bike is fully submersible and resistant to the harsh, dusty conditions rangers encounter.
The bike features a high front fender to deal with mud and clear obstacles. It utilizes CAKE’s 18 x 1.85” rims and 3.5” Continental TKC80 off-road tires on both wheels. This setup is a different wheel and tire configuration than other Kalk models, enabling the Kalk AP to disperse weight and decrease ground pressure—an absolute must in muddy conditions.
Kalk AP utilizes a 2100 lumen removable clamp-on headlight for powerful illumination, and all plastic components on the bike are made from recycled, fiber-reinforced Trifilon, a biodegradable polymer.
CAKE Connect is a prominent feature of the bike, providing navigation, communication, and location identification. This feature will also help the teams better understand what adjustments they will need to make to optimize performance and efficiency while in the field.
