Joburg switches on first electric vehicle charging hub

Johannesburg's power utility, City Power, officially launched phase one of its Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station on Tuesday, 24 March 2026.

Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Cllr Dada Morero unveiled the completion of the first phase at City Power's charging complex in Booysens. This marks a major milestone toward a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future for the City and forms part of the power utility's 10-point Energy Plan, which places the City at the forefront of sustainability and innovation in the country.

Morero described the launch as a landmark moment marking a shift towards a cleaner, smarter and more inclusive City.

“The electric vehicle programme launched today is part of Johannesburg's broader strategy to modernise municipal operations while strengthening service delivery. By introducing electric vehicles and building charging infrastructure, the City is improving operational efficiency while reducing long-term costs and environmental impacts.

“The financial case is compelling. Through the transition to electric vehicles, City Power is positioned to realise substantial cost saving up to R 29.7 million per annum under a leasing model, and as much as R 49.3 million annually if the vehicles are acquired outright and amortised over a five-year period," Cllr Morero said.

He added that beyond financial savings the environmental benefits are profound. “Once our fleet fully transitions, we will avoid more than 52 000 tons of carbon emissions each year. That is not just a statistic. It represents improved air quality for our communities, a significant reduction in harmful emissions, and meaningful progress towards fulfilling Johannesburg's ambitious climate obligations."

Cllr Morero highlighted that the launch forms part of the City's broader 10-Point Energy Plan, which is already transforming how Johannesburg generates, manages, and secures power. “Solar microgrids in informal settlements, solar street lighting in communities, rooftop solar on public facilities, revived gas turbines for emergency backup, and growing investments in battery storage, all these initiatives move us closer to an energy-secure, future-ready Johannesburg.

“The EV Programme strengthens this work. It supports our Smart City ambitions and accelerates our economic strategy by building pathways for new industries, new skills, and new jobs. And it positions Johannesburg not as a follower but as a continental leader in the green mobility sector."

The EV programme will be rolled out across City Power Service Delivery Centres and into communities and townships, encouraging broader adoption of electric vehicles among residents and businesses.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
25/03/2026

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