Cape Town has launched its first electric MyCiTi bus, a Volvo BZRLE prototype, as part of a pilot to cut fossil fuel dependence and reduce carbon emissions. The bus is being tested on steep routes like Hospital Bend and coastal corridors to see how it handles hills, heat, and salt air. Researchers from the University of Cape Town are logging energy use, regenerative braking, and range under full passenger loads and air conditioning. The city plans to order 38 electric buses for scheduled service by July 2027, with a potential second tranche of 120 buses if the pilot succeeds. The bus body is built in Gauteng to meet a 65 percent local content requirement, supporting domestic manufacturing and skills development. Charging strategy includes overnight depot charging and rapid top-ups at route terminuses. The project is funded by a national Treasury grant, with additional green bond options. If battery prices continue to fall, the business case for electric buses could overtake diesel by 2028. The trial also explores second-life battery storage for rural power, creating a circular energy economy.
