Bolt has expanded its electric-vehicle ride category to Johannesburg, five months after launching the service in Cape Town.

The new category is operating in Sandton, on routes to and from OR Tambo International Airport and in parts of Johannesburg East. Bolt said rides are priced slightly above its standard category.

The Johannesburg rollout is being implemented with the South African Meter Taxi and E-Hailing Association, known as Samtea, and vehicle manufacturer BYD. Samtea will own and manage the fleet operating on Bolt’s platform.

What Johannesburg riders can expect

Detail Johannesburg rollout
Initial areas Sandton, OR Tambo airport routes and parts of Johannesburg East
Vehicle BYD Dolphin Surf electric hatchbacks
Fleet operator Samtea
Fare level Slightly above Bolt’s standard category
Bolt electric vehicles at the earlier Cape Town rollout with Table Mountain in the background
Bolt launched its South African electric-vehicle category in Cape Town before expanding to Johannesburg.

Fleet size has not been disclosed

Bolt has not said how many electric cars are currently operating in Johannesburg. The company said the fleet would be expanded with local operators and is targeting 500 electric vehicles in South Africa by December 2026.

That national target should not be read as the current Johannesburg fleet size. It covers Bolt’s wider South African rollout, which began in Cape Town.

What the partnership means for drivers

Samtea represents meter-taxi and e-hailing operators and is affiliated with the South African National Taxi Council. Under the arrangement, the association will own and manage the Johannesburg vehicles and invest in expanding the fleet.

Bolt’s local driver guide lists the Samtea EV fleet as an employment-based Johannesburg option rather than the conventional weekly vehicle-rental model. Applicants must meet specified licensing and driver requirements.

Why the rollout matters

Electric ride-hailing vehicles can reduce local tailpipe emissions and offer lower energy and maintenance costs, but their expansion depends on charging access, vehicle utilisation and the reliability of fleet operations.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Johannesburg passengers now have an electric Bolt option in selected areas. Availability will depend on how quickly the undisclosed fleet grows.

Sources: TechCentral, including comments supplied by Bolt; Bolt South Africa driver guide.

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