Joburg power utility rolling out EV charging stations with battery swapping system

Johannesburg power utility City Power says it has taken delivery of a new batch of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, marking a significant milestone in its EV programme.

In a statement on Tuesday, 1 June 2025, the power utility said it will deploy its own fleet of EVs to replace the internal combustion vehicles used for its technical operations.

“The initiative forms part of City Power’s ambitious 10-point Energy Plan, which is a strategic roadmap to diversify the city’s energy mix, improve resilience, and reduce carbon emissions,” City Power said.

“The EV Programme represents a central pillar of this plan. City Power will be deploying its own EV fleet, replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric models.”

City Power’s fleet will include electric models ranging from light-duty maintenance vans to heavy-duty trucks. City Power said the move will help reduce fuel and maintenance costs over time.

“We are deploying a city-wide EV charging infrastructure, with installations set to get underway at City Power depots, operational sites, major public roads, as well as Rea Vaya and Metrobus depots,” it added.

The power utility said the charging network will expand into public areas and townships to support the broader adoption of EVs by the private sector and Johannesburg residents.

City Power raised concerns over EV charging times, and to address the issue, it plans to introduce a battery-swapping system.

The system will allow City Power’s fleet of EVs to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, dramatically reducing waiting periods and making EV usage more practical in high-demand areas.

“This EV rollout is more than just a technology upgrade, it’s a transformational step towards reimagining how Johannesburg moves,” said City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava.

“It embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic development. The arrival of our charging stations is proof that implementation is not a distant dream — it is underway.”

The utility said its EV initiative aligns with the Gauteng Energy Plan and forms part of a broader strategy to future-proof the Johannesburg economy.

It added that the move will create new jobs and align the metro with global trends, including the European Union’s imminent ban on fossil fuel vehicle imports.

“With South Africa exporting over 70% of its locally manufactured light vehicles to the EU and UK, failing to adapt could have devastating consequences for our economy,” the utility said.

In March 2025, Mashava said City Power’s EV fleet will be charged using solar power, adding that the utility had already begun working on the charging infrastructure.

“We are busy with the solar pump where the vehicles are going to be charge,” she said. “We are bringing private cars, vans, mini-buses, trucks, and a bus.”

One of several initiatives

City Power said that, alongside the EV rollout, the utility has launched several additional initiatives that align with its 10-point plan.

“These include the deployment of solar microgrids across informal settlements to provide off-grid electricity solutions,” it said.

The utility has already installed a microgrid at the Amarasta informal settlement in Alexandra, and says it is at advanced stages in the construction of several others, which are 99% complete.

These microgrids are being built in areas such as Vukani, Vlakfontein, and Shalazile.

“The other initiative includes the installation of high solar masts and street solar lights across underserved communities to improve safety and visibility while reducing electricity consumption,” said City Power.

“We have also made significant progress with the installation of solar PV systems on government buildings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools.”

The utility said it has delivered on the promise of refurbishing the gas turbines at the John Ware substation and is finalising the work at the Durban Street substation.

“The open gas turbines, which were initially built in the 1960s and then refurbished in 2010 for the World Cup soccer tournament, have again been remodelled and revitalised,” it said.