Bolt marked its tenth year in South Africa by bringing electric cars to Johannesburg. The ride-hailing company has launched its EV category in the city, TechCabal and TechMoran reported on 21 October, and is aiming for 500 electric vehicles on its South African platform by December 2026.
The model is the interesting part. Bolt is not buying the cars. The South African Meter Taxi and E-Hailing Association (SAMTEA), an affiliate of the South African National Taxi Council, will own and manage the EV fleet on Bolt's app, according to TechCabal. BYD, the Chinese EV maker, is a partner.
Cape Town first, Kenya furthest along
- Bolt first launched the EV category in Cape Town in May, with fleet manager YugoRide supplying the cars
- In Kenya, Bolt said in February that 5,808 EVs were on its platform, about 23% of the country's estimated EV fleet, TechCabal reports
- South Africa recorded 16,716 new-energy vehicle sales in 2025
- Bolt says it runs electric ride categories in more than 70 cities worldwide
"Electric mobility presents an important opportunity for South Africa," said Graham Walker, general manager of Bolt South Africa. SAMTEA chairperson Sibongiseni Shange said collaboration is essential "to create a transport ecosystem that protects drivers and passengers".
What riders and drivers get
Bolt has not said whether its EV category will cost more than its other ride types, so there is no basis yet to say an electric Bolt will be cheaper or dearer for passengers. For drivers, an EV needs no petrol and usually less routine maintenance, which can cut running costs.
