Bolt and BYD to introduce 500 electric vehicles in South Africa

Ride-hailing company Bolt has partnered with Chinese automaker BYD and the South African Meter Taxi and E-Hailing Association (SAMTEA) to expand electric vehicle (EV) services in South Africa. The initiative aims to have 500 electric vehicles on the Bolt platform by December 2026.

Following an earlier rollout in Cape Town, the service has now launched in Johannesburg, where riders can select an EV category within the app. The partnership marks a shift in the local industry, as SAMTEA—an affiliate of the South African National Taxi Council—is collaborating with app-based services that were previously viewed as competitors.

Bolt’s general manager in South Africa, Graham Walker, noted that the transition to electric mobility is intended to reduce operating and maintenance costs for driver-partners and fleet operators. However, the economic viability for drivers remains a key factor, as the higher upfront costs of electric vehicles must be balanced against savings on fuel, insurance, and repairs.