Cape Town is accelerating toward a greener future with South Africa’s most ambitious electric vehicle (EV) public transport initiative. At the heart of this transformation is the electrification of Golden Arrow Bus Services’ (GABS) fleet, powered by Autel Energy’s MaxiCharger DC Fast units at the Arrowgate Depot — the country’s largest EV bus charging hub. With 120 electric buses set to hit the roads by December 2025, this project is cutting carbon emissions and setting a global benchmark for sustainable urban mobility.
A Milestone in Sustainable Mobility
Golden Arrow Bus Services, a cornerstone of Cape Town’s transport network, has partnered with Autel Energy and BYD to roll out 120 electric buses — a historic leap from diesel to zero-emission vehicles. The initiative began with testing in 2021 and already includes 77 BYD B12 buses, each carrying 65 passengers and offering up to 240 km per charge. By the end of 2025, the fleet will expand to 120 buses, supported by 50 MaxiCharger DC Fast units (150–240 kW) at the solar-grid hybrid Arrowgate Depot.
“This is a full circle moment for Golden Arrow,” says Francois Meyer, CEO of GABS. “In 1896, we pioneered South Africa’s first electric tram. Now, 129 years later, we’re leading the charge with electric buses at scale. This is transformative for both our industry and our country’s sustainability goals.”
The environmental impact is clear: Cape Town expects to cut 18,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually — equal to removing more than 4,000 cars from the road. Isaac Sileku, Western Cape Minister of Mobility, highlights the bigger vision: “The shift to electric vehicles is critical for sustainable mobility and economic opportunity across the province.”
Autel Energy’s MaxiCharger: Powering the Future
Autel Energy’s MaxiCharger DC Fast units form the backbone of the project. Thirty chargers are already live at Arrowgate Depot, with 50 planned by year-end. Offering modular architecture and solar-ready integration, the chargers deliver up to 62 miles of range in just five minutes. Designed for high-volume fleet use, they operate quietly (under 65dB), include advanced safety features, and support renewable energy sources.
“Our mission is to accelerate EV adoption with intelligent, scalable charging solutions,” says Kemin Zuo, Regional Director of Autel IMEA DMCC. “By integrating solar, we’re helping Cape Town build future-proof infrastructure that ensures reliable transport while cutting emissions.”
The Arrowgate Depot’s solar-grid hybrid system ensures genuine sustainability, countering concerns about South Africa’s coal-heavy energy mix. By tapping renewable sources, GABS ensures that the shift to electric buses delivers meaningful climate benefits.
Voices from the Ground
Commuters are already noticing the difference. “The electric buses are quieter and smoother,” says Lindiwe Mkhize, a daily commuter from Khayelitsha. “There’s no diesel smell at the bus stops, and it feels like a step toward a cleaner city.” Passenger feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, citing comfort and better air quality.
Mike Pritchard, CEO of STS Tech Group, Autel’s project partner, notes: “Autel’s chargers combine world-class tech with outstanding support. Their responsiveness made this rollout seamless, giving us confidence in scaling up.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis praised the project’s alignment with Cape Town’s Climate Change Action Plan: “This initiative not only reduces emissions but also positions Cape Town as a leader in green mobility, creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses.”
Challenges and Solutions
Despite its promise, challenges remain. South Africa’s coal-dependent grid raises questions about EV sustainability. GABS is addressing this with solar integration and plans to secure 80–100 MW of renewable capacity to support a fully electric fleet of 1,100 buses.
High upfront costs are another hurdle: electric buses cost around R7.5 million, compared to R3 million for diesel. Yet long-term savings are compelling — 70% lower energy costs, 50% savings on spare parts, and 30% lower labor costs. According to GABS, the buses could pay for themselves within 2–8 years.
GABS is also training staff for large-scale electrification. “We’re preparing our workforce and infrastructure for success, learning from global best practices,” says Chief Engineer Gideon Neethling. Partnerships with government, business, and civil society are seen as critical to the rollout’s success.
Economic and Social Impact
The project is creating opportunities across Cape Town’s economy, from charger maintenance to battery recycling. GABS’s two-star artisan project is training new auto electricians, closing a critical skills gap and boosting job creation.
For residents, the benefits extend beyond clean air. The buses reduce noise pollution and, with a 240 km range, provide reliable service across GABS’s 1,300 routes, which serve 220,000 daily passengers.
A Blueprint for Africa
Cape Town’s electric bus revolution is setting the standard for Africa. While countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Egypt advance e-mobility, Cape Town’s project is unmatched in scale and renewable integration. GreenCape’s 2025 EV Market Report forecasts South Africa’s electric bus market to grow by 420 buses by 2030, with a projected value of R2.9 billion.
Looking ahead, Autel Energy and GABS are considering adding fast chargers at bus stops for en-route charging, ensuring buses stay on schedule even during peak demand. As Cape Town pursues its 2050 carbon-neutrality goal, the Arrowgate Depot and its growing electric fleet show that sustainable public transport is not only possible but transformative.
With Autel Energy’s technology, Golden Arrow’s leadership, and strong community support, Cape Town is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future — one bus at a time.