Bolt Brings Electric Vehicle Ride Category to Johannesburg
Bolt Brings Electric Vehicle Ride Category to Johannesburg. Bolt has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) ride category to Johannesburg, extending its electric mobility offering beyond Cape Town as the company works towards introducing 500 electric vehicles into its South African fleet by December 2026.
The expansion involves a partnership between Bolt, the South African Meter Taxi and E-Hailing Association (SAMTEA), an affiliate of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and other industry stakeholders.
The Johannesburg launch forms part of Bolt’s efforts to increase the use of electric vehicles in urban transport while strengthening cooperation between the e-hailing and traditional taxi industries.
Graham Walker, General Manager of Bolt South Africa, said the initiative demonstrates the role that partnerships can play in developing cleaner and more efficient transport services.
He noted that electric mobility could provide driver-partners and fleet operators with opportunities to reduce operating and maintenance costs while contributing to cleaner urban transport.
The expansion also adds to Bolt’s electric mobility activities across Africa. The company currently operates electric ride categories in more than 70 cities globally and has introduced EV initiatives in Kenya and Nigeria.
South Africa remains one of its key markets, with the latest development following the company’s 10-year milestone in the country and its announcement of a R3 billion economic contribution.
SAMTEA chairperson Sibongiseni Shange said collaboration between the taxi and e-hailing industries was important as the transport sector adapts to changing mobility requirements.
He highlighted the need for operators to participate in a formalised industry, noting that cooperation could help strengthen protections for drivers and passengers while supporting businesses.
Shange added that the sector needed to evolve without abandoning its foundations, with collaboration providing an opportunity to create a more sustainable transport environment.
Through the Johannesburg rollout, Bolt and its partners aim to expand access to electric mobility while bringing together different participants in South Africa’s transport industry.
