City Power to Launch EV Charging Stations Across Johannesburg
Johannesburg’s utility supercharges the green economy with a city‑wide EV charging network, battery‑swapping hubs and a fully electric municipal fleet.
Johannesburg Plugs Into the Future
Johannesburg is about to trade petrol fumes for electrons. City Power will begin rolling out electric‑vehicle EV charging stations across the metro, while simultaneously electrifying its own fleet and debuting South Africa’s first large‑scale municipal battery‑swapping network.
City Power’s High‑Voltage Vision
- Fleet makeover: From light‑duty vans to heavy‑duty repair trucks, every new City Power vehicle will be electric. The shift slashes diesel costs, trims maintenance bills and chips away at Johannesburg’s carbon footprint.
- Depots first, then the streets: Charging units land first at City Power depots and operational sites, then migrate to “major public roads” and transport nodes such as Rea Vaya and Metrobus hubs.
- Township inclusion: The network will extend into townships so that green mobility isn’t limited to Sandton sidewalks.
Where Will You Charge?
Expect EV charging stations at:
| Location | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| City Power depots | Keeps municipal fleet humming |
| Operational sites & major roads | Enables quick top‑ups for repair crews and the public |
| Rea Vaya & Metrobus depots | Future‑proofs Joburg’s buses |
| Township retail corridors | Brings the EV revolution to everyday commuters |
Battery‑Swapping: 90 Seconds, Full Tank
City Power will pilot battery‑swapping kiosks—pop in, swap your depleted pack for a fresh one and zip off in under two minutes. The model, common in China, leapfrogs the “range anxiety” that keeps many South Africans tethered to petrol pumps.
Bolting EVs onto a Broader Energy Makeover
The charging push is part of an energy “grand slam” that also includes:
- Solar microgrids in informal settlements like Amarasta, Vukani View and Shalazile (99 % complete) to provide off‑grid power.
- Solar streetlights and masts that improve safety while trimming electricity bills.
- PV rooftop roll‑outs on hospitals, clinics, schools and City Power facilities to keep services running during load‑shedding.
Skills, Start‑ups and the E‑Fleet Innovation Lab
City Power is partnering with universities and TVET colleges to train artisans in EV safety, battery management and diagnostics. An e‑Fleet Innovation Lab will incubate start‑ups focused on mobility tech, turning Johannesburg into Africa’s test track for green transport entrepreneurship.
Why Timing Couldn’t Be Better
- EV sales are surging: South Africa doubled its new‑energy‑vehicle (NEV) sales to 15 611 units in 2024, representing 3 % of all new cars.
- Charging gaps remain: The country has fewer than 400 public chargers today, so every new plug counts.
- City climate goals: Johannesburg’s Climate Action Plan commits to converting the municipal fleet to 100 % electric by 2040 and setting pro‑EV tariffs—City Power’s programme puts wheels on that promise.
What Happens Next?
Mayor Dada Morero will officiate the launch “in the coming weeks,” with a detailed deployment schedule and contractor list to follow. As chargers light up, expect:
- Pilot battery‑swap stations at high‑utilisation depots.
- Public fast‑chargers along major commuter corridors.
- Progressive EV‑only parking bays (and perhaps tariffs) in the CBD.
The Road Ahead
Johannesburg’s grid may be creaky, but City Power’s EV gambit signals a city refusing to idle. If the plan sticks its landing, Joburg won’t just be solving for load‑shedding—it will be powering up an entire green‑mobility economy.
Also read: July 2025 Petrol Price: Are We Going to Be Paying More or Less on The Tanks?
