Cape Town Embraces E-Mobility with First Battery-Powered Buses

Cape Town has officially launched its electric bus pilot program, deploying the first battery-powered MyCiTi buses in South Africa. This initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable urban transportation and positions Cape Town as a leader in e-mobility across the continent.

The newly introduced Volvo BZRLE e-buses, nicknamed “Evie,” began service on July 24 with an initial deployment of 38 units. Additional batches are scheduled to arrive in March 2027, expanding the electric fleet further.

Local Manufacturing Boosts Sustainability Efforts

A key highlight of this project is that the Volvo e-buses were partly manufactured in South Africa, with their frames assembled locally. This makes them the first electric buses produced in the country specifically for local roads – a testament to growing automotive capabilities on the continent.

The deployment aligns with Cape Town’s broader sustainability goals and addresses concerns about air quality and carbon emissions from public transportation systems.