Bolt Introduces Electric Ride-Hailing in Cape Town

Bolt has officially launched electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing services in Cape Town, South Africa, marking a strategic expansion in the African market. The company aims to deploy 500 electric vehicles through a partnership with YugoRide by the end of 2025. This move positions Cape Town as a key testbed for EV adoption in Africa, with Johannesburg already under consideration for a future rollout.

New EV Category in the Bolt App

Passengers in Cape Town can now select a dedicated EV category within the Bolt app. This feature allows riders to choose electric vehicles for their trips, supporting lower emissions and reduced fuel dependency. The initial fleet includes vehicles from Chinese automaker Dongfeng, specifically the Box hatchback model.

Partnership with YugoRide

YugoRide handles vehicle onboarding and operational support for the first phase. Bolt avoids placing the initial capital burden on individual drivers, many of whom currently rely on financed petrol vehicles. This approach reduces financial risk for drivers while accelerating EV adoption.

Bolt’s Broader African EV Strategy

South Africa joins several African markets where Bolt is testing electric mobility. Kenya remains Bolt’s largest EV operation on the continent, with over 5,800 electric vehicles in its network, including motorcycles for passenger and delivery services. In Nigeria, Bolt has focused on electric tricycles in Lagos through smaller fleet partnerships for urban commuter traffic.

Kenya Leads in EV Volume

Kenya’s EV network includes both cars and motorcycles, supporting ride-hailing and last-mile delivery. This model provides valuable data for scaling operations in other African cities.

Nigeria’s Tricycle Focus

In Lagos, Bolt’s electric tricycles target high-density commuter routes, offering an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional transport.

Challenges and Opportunities in Cape Town

Cape Town presents unique challenges for EV deployment. Drivers face higher financing costs compared to other regional markets, and public charging infrastructure remains inconsistent outside major urban corridors. These conditions have made fleet operators central to the rollout.

Financial Pressure on Drivers

Bolt’s model shifts the capital burden from individual drivers to fleet partners like YugoRide. This approach helps mitigate fuel volatility and maintenance costs, which are critical for driver retention.

Municipal Support for Carbon Neutrality

Cape Town municipal officials support the rollout as part of the city’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals. Electric fleets are increasingly viewed as infrastructure investments rather than premium services.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

For ride-hailing operators, electric fleets are becoming infrastructure decisions. Driver retention, maintenance exposure, and fuel volatility now drive platform economics more than ever. South Africa’s market will be a closely watched test of whether large EV fleets can remain commercially viable under these conditions.

Bolt’s Regional Commitment

Caroline Wanjihia, Bolt’s Regional Director for Rides Africa and International Markets, emphasized that South Africa remains a priority market. She highlighted the potential for lower running expenses with electric fleets, especially given rising fuel costs.

What’s Next for Bolt EVs in Africa

Bolt plans to expand to Johannesburg, though no timeline has been confirmed. The company continues to explore partnerships and fleet models across the continent to scale electric mobility.