Cape Town is set to introduce its first electric buses in August 2026, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s transition toward low-emission public transport systems. The rollout, part of the city’s MyCiTi bus rapid transit network, will begin with a phased delivery of 30 electric buses, with 13 expected before the end of 2026 and the full fleet operational by mid-2027, as reported by Business Insider Africa.
The buses, identified as 12-metre Volvo BZRLE models with bodies manufactured locally in Johannesburg, will initially operate along routes connecting key urban corridors in the metro south-east, including Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. Authorities will conduct a 12-month pilot in partnership with the University of Cape Town to assess performance, battery efficiency, and operational viability under local conditions.
City officials say the shift is driven by the need to reduce fuel costs, cut emissions, and modernise ageing transport infrastructure amid rising oil price volatility. Electric buses have demonstrated up to 70% lower operating and maintenance costs in global markets, making them an increasingly attractive long-term solution despite higher upfront investment.
Cape Town’s move reflects a broader continental trend, as African cities begin to adopt electric mobility solutions in response to urbanisation pressures, climate commitments, and energy security concerns. As adoption scales, the transition positions Africa as an emerging player in the global EV transport race, with cities like Cape Town setting early benchmarks for sustainable urban mobility.
