City of Johannesburg Unveils Municipal Electric Vehicle Charging Network to Power Transitioned Government Service Fleets

City Power and the City of Johannesburg unveil new EV charging hubs as part of a strategic fleet electrification project to save R40 million in fuel costs.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 11:26 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Engineering News

Johannesburg Commissions Country’s First Municipal Charging Hubs

City Power has officially inaugurated a network of electric vehicle charging stations at its Johannesburg offices, establishing the municipality as a national leader in green transport infrastructure. During the launch event on March 24, Mayor Sello Dada Morero confirmed that these facilities are immediately available for public use, serving both private citizens and the city’s growing fleet of service delivery vehicles. This initiative represents a foundational element of the metropolitan government’s broader commitment to a sustainable energy transition, aimed at reducing the city's carbon footprint while modernizing essential public services.

Strategic Fleet Conversion to Deliver Substantial Fuel Savings

The municipality is currently executing a comprehensive transition of its 680 vehicle fleet to plug-in hybrid and full electric models. According to municipal projections, this shift is expected to yield over R40 million in fuel cost savings across a five-year operational window. By moving away from traditional internal combustion engines, City Power aims to insulate itself from the volatility of global oil markets and the recurring price hikes associated with diesel and petrol. Officials noted that these savings will eventually be redirected to enhance service delivery and maintain the metro's expanding electrical infrastructure.

Infrastructure Expansion to Include Rapid Charging and Public Transit

Following the initial launch, City Power intends to move into a second phase of development focused on the installation of advanced superchargers. Acting CEO Charles Tlouane explained that these high speed units are designed to reduce vehicle charging times to under 15 minutes, significantly improving the efficiency of operational depots and public roads. The expansion strategy also targets the electrification of the Metrobus fleet, with dedicated charging infrastructure planned for public transit hubs. This phased approach is intended to encourage broader adoption of electric vehicles among residents by ensuring a reliable and accessible power network across the city.