South Africa’s Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) is rolling out its first batch of new electric buses from China’s BYD, with more than 100 more vehicles set to arrive this year to serve the Cape Town area
In a statement this week, the Western Cape government said that it marked a milestone in the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) into the province's public transport and government fleets, with GABS leading the way.
GABS has taken delivery of the first 20 electric buses, which have now been deployed across Cape Town, following its order placed last year with BYD, one of China’s largest privately-owned enterprises.
The new buses will be followed by 100 more vehicles to be delivered during the course of 2025.
GABS has also installed 30 charging units, with two dispensers each, the largest of its kind in South Africa, which will be expanded to 60 chargers with a total of 120 dispensers during the second half of the year.
The acquisition of the new vehicles follows trials of two BYD electric buses dating back to 2021.
The capacity of the BYD electric bus is 40 passengers with the highest range up to 320 km (200 miles).
The buses are also equipped with user-friendly features, such as free WiFi and a wheelchair ramp.
“As a key role player in Cape Town’s public transport system, Golden Arrow Bus Services is leading the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by introducing electric buses into its fleet,” said Isaac Sileku, Western Cape minister of mobility.
“In the public transport sector, the shift to electric vehicles is critical to achieving sustainable mobility for commuters and creating economic opportunities and job creation in various sectors of the province.”
The bus service operated by GABS, partially funded by the Western Cape Mobility Department, is a key part of Cape Town’s public transport system, moving approximately 230,000 passengers daily.
The deal to acquire 120 buses from BYD represents an almost 10 per cent electrification of its total fleet, which remains predominantly diesel.
The province’s transport sector accounts for 28 per cent of its carbon emissions, making it a high priority for the Western Cape Government’s climate protection efforts.
Western Cape officials also flagged Government Motor Transport (GMT) which manages a set of EVs as part of its permanent fleet.
It said that this year 2.5 per cent of its fleet will comprise 'new energy vehicles', which includes hybrid electric vehciles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The provincial government added that it is looking to appoint a service provider in the 2025/2026 financial year to accelerate the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure.
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Western Cape rolls out new BYD electric buses
One of the new BYD electric buses serving Cape Town. (Image source: GABS)
