EV Charging Stations Cape Town: Complete 2026 Map & Guide to Public Charging in Cape Town

Looking for EV charging stations in Cape Town? This comprehensive 2025 guide covers all public charging locations across the Cape Peninsula and beyond, from V&A Waterfront to Stellenbosch, including costs, availability, and charging speeds. We’ll also show you why 95% of Cape Town EV owners rely on home charging as their primary solution.

Whether you’re exploring the Mother City, need emergency charging, or considering an EV purchase in Cape Town, this guide provides everything you need to know about public EV charging infrastructure in the Western Cape.

Find Charging Stations Near You

Use our interactive map below to locate the closest EV charging station to your current location. The map shows all public charging stations in Cape Town with real-time distances, turn-by-turn directions, and detailed information about each location.

The map shows 15 public charging stations across Cape Town, from the V&A Waterfront to Constantia, including major shopping centers, hotels, and the airport. Click any marker for full details or use the “Navigate” button to open Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

🗺️ EV Charging Stations Cape Town: Quick Overview (2025)

📍 Complete Map of EV Charging Stations in Cape Town (2025)

V&A Waterfront & City Bowl

V&A Waterfront (Multiple Locations)

• Location: Victoria Wharf, Alfred Mall, Silo District
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 8+ across various parking areas
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: 24/7 access (parking fees apply)
• Typical Wait: 15-45 minutes during peak tourist season
• Note: Most popular charging destination in Cape Town

Canal Walk Shopping Centre

• Location: Century City
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 6
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
• Challenge: Very busy on weekends

Redefine Properties – Portside

• Location: Century City
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 4
• Cost: R5.50/kWh

Northern Suburbs

Tyger Valley Shopping Centre

• Location: Bellville
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 5
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
• Note: One of the busiest charging hubs in Cape Town

N1 City Mall

• Location: Goodwood
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 4
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours

Willowbridge Shopping Centre

• Location: Tygerberg
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 3
• Cost: R5.50/kWh

Southern Suburbs

Cavendish Square

• Location: Claremont
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 4
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
• Popular with: Southern suburbs residents

Blue Route Mall

• Location: Tokai
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 3
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours

Constantia Village

• Location: Constantia
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh

Atlantic Seaboard

The Radisson RED Hotel

• Location: V&A Waterfront
• Provider: Hotel charging
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 4
• Cost: R6.00/kWh
• Access: Hotel guests priority, public when available

Clifton Beaches (Limited)

• Location: Various restaurants/hotels
• Provider: Private
• Access: Typically patrons only
• Note: Very limited public access

Wine Lands (Stellenbosch & Paarl)

Stellenbosch Square

• Location: Stellenbosch
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 3
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours

Eikestad Mall

• Location: Stellenbosch
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh

La Paris Estate (Wine Farm)

• Location: Paarl/Franschhoek area
• Provider: Private charging
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Access: Restaurant patrons
• Cost: Often complimentary with meal

West Coast & Greater Cape Town

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Big Bay Boulevard

• Location: Blouberg
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh

West Coast Mall

• Location: Malmesbury
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Note: Useful for West Coast road trips

📊 Calculate Your Charging Costs
Wondering how much public charging will actually cost you versus home charging? Use our EV Cost Calculator to compare public charging stations vs home charging costs based on your actual driving in Cape Town. The savings are dramatic.

💰 Real Cost Comparison: Public Charging vs Home Charging in Cape Town

Public Charging Stations in Cape Town: The True Costs

Public charging: GridCars rate R5.50/kWh. Home charging: City of Cape Town 2025 rates R1.80-R3.20/kWh. Based on 18 kWh/100km average consumption.

Annual Cost Comparison

For a typical Cape Town commuter driving 1,200km/month:

• Public Charging (GridCars): R1,188/month = R14,256/year
• Home Charging (City of CT rates): R389-R691/month = R4,668-R8,292/year
• Annual Savings with Home Charging: R5,964-R9,588

Over 5 years, home charging saves you R29,820-R47,940 compared to relying on public EV charging stations in Cape Town.

With Cape Town’s excellent solar potential (2,500+ hours of sunshine annually), many residents charge for FREE with solar panels, making the savings even more dramatic!

⏰ The Hidden Costs of Public Charging Stations

Time is Money in Cape Town

Beyond the higher electricity costs, public charging stations in Cape Town come with significant time costs:

Weekly Time Investment for Public Charging:

• Drive to charging station: 15-30 minutes (Cape Town traffic)
• Find parking spot: 5-15 minutes (V&A Waterfront can be 30+ min)
• Wait for available charger: 15-45 minutes (peak times)
• Charging session (50kWh): 3-5 hours (7kW AC chargers)
• Cannot leave car: Security concerns, need to monitor
• Drive home: 15-30 minutes
• Total time per charging session: 4-7 hours

Weekly Time Investment for Home Charging:

• Plug in when you get home: 30 seconds
• Unplug in the morning: 30 seconds
• Total time per week: Less than 5 minutes

Annual time savings with home charging: ~220 hours (equivalent to 5.5 full work weeks!)

Cape Town-Specific Inconveniences

Common frustrations at Cape Town EV charging stations:

1. Tourist Season Congestion: December-February sees 2-3x normal wait times at V&A, Camps Bay
2. Parking Fees: V&A Waterfront charges parking (R20-R40/hour) PLUS electricity costs
3. Wind & Weather: Cape Town’s famous wind makes outdoor charging uncomfortable
4. Load Shedding: Public chargers also affected (home chargers can use solar backup)
5. Traffic Congestion: 30+ minute drives to charging stations during peak hour
6. ICE-ing: Petrol cars parking in EV spots (especially at malls)
7. Limited Operating Hours: Most stations only accessible during mall hours
8. App/Payment Issues: Network connectivity problems common

🏠 Why 95% of Cape Town EV Owners Choose Home Charging

The Home Charging Advantage

Cost Savings (Best in SA):

• 67% cheaper than public charging (R1.80-R3.20/kWh vs R5.50/kWh)
• Save R5,964-R9,588 annually compared to public charging
• Cape Town has SA’s LOWEST electricity rates – maximize your savings!
• Home charger installation pays for itself in 15-20 months
• With solar panels: FREE charging (Cape Town has best solar potential in SA)

Ultimate Convenience:

• Always available – your personal charging station
• Charge overnight while you sleep (6-8 hours)
• Never wait for an available charger
• Never drive through Cape Town traffic to charge
• No parking fees (save R20-R40/hour at V&A)
• Wake up to a full battery every morning

Time Savings:

• Save 220+ hours annually vs public charging
• No more “charging trips” through Cape Town traffic
• 60 seconds total time investment per day
• Reclaim your weekends (no more mall charging sessions)

Solar Synergy (Cape Town Advantage):

• 2,500+ hours of sunshine annually (best in SA)
• Charge from solar panels during the day = R0/kWh
• Load shedding immunity with solar + battery
• Truly zero-emission motoring
• Solar + EV combination pays off in 4-5 years

🔌 Ready to Stop Paying Premium Prices?
Install your own EV home charger and save R600-R1,300 monthly compared to public charging stations. Get a quote from ChargePoint SA for professional installation in Cape Town. Most installations complete within 1 week. Ask about our solar integration packages!

📱 How to Use Public EV Charging Stations in Cape Town

GridCars Network (Primary Provider)

Step 1: Download the GridCars App

• Available on iOS and Android
• Create account with email and payment method
• Add credit card (minimum R100 preload)

Step 2: Find a Charging Station

• Use app map to locate nearest available charger
• Check real-time availability before driving there
• Navigate to location (factor in Cape Town traffic)

Step 3: Start Charging

• Park in designated EV charging bay
• Scan QR code on charger with app
• Plug in charging cable to your car
• Confirm charge start in app
• Monitor progress on your phone

Step 4: Complete Charging

• Stop session in app when desired charge level reached
• Unplug cable from car first, then return to charger
• Move car promptly (don’t block charger)
• Receipt sent via email

Pro Tips for Cape Town Charging

• Avoid Peak Times: V&A and Canal Walk busiest 11am-4pm weekends
• Winter Charging: Stations less busy May-August (great time to try public charging)
• Tourist Season: December-February avoid V&A, use northern suburbs instead
• Parking Costs: Factor in R20-R40/hour parking at some locations
• Load Shedding: Check before driving – chargers offline during power cuts

🚗 When Public Charging Stations Make Sense

While home charging is superior for daily use, public charging stations in Cape Town serve important purposes:

1. Road Trips & Tourism

• Scenario: Cape Town to Garden Route, Hermanus, or West Coast
• Solution: Top up at Stellenbosch, Somerset West, or Malmesbury
• Benefit: Extends range for scenic drives

2. Day Out Opportunity Charging

• Scenario: Spending 3+ hours at V&A Waterfront
• Solution: Plug in while shopping/dining
• Benefit: Return with more charge than when you arrived

3. Emergency Top-Ups

• Scenario: Forgot to charge at home
• Solution: Quick charge at nearest mall
• Cost: Accept the premium rate for rare emergency

4. Apartment Residents (Temporary)

• Scenario: Can’t install home charger yet
• Solution: Use public charging while arranging body corporate approval
• Goal: Get home charging ASAP – you’re losing R600+/month!

💡 Smart Strategy: Home Charging + Occasional Public

The optimal approach for Cape Town EV owners:

Primary Charging (95%): Home Charger + Solar

• Charge overnight or from solar panels
• Pay R1.80-R3.20/kWh (or R0/kWh with solar)
• Wake up with 100% battery daily
• Zero time wasted on charging trips
• Maximum savings

Backup Charging (5%): Public Stations

• Emergency top-ups when needed
• Opportunity charging during long outings
• Road trip charging (Garden Route, Hermanus)
• Peace of mind knowing infrastructure exists

This strategy gives you:

• Maximum cost savings (95% at cheap home rates)
• Leverage Cape Town’s excellent solar potential
• Complete flexibility for all driving scenarios
• Best quality of life as EV owner

☀️ Cape Town Solar Advantage: FREE Home Charging

Cape Town has the best solar potential in South Africa (2,500+ hours annually, 8-9 hours daily in summer). This makes solar-powered home charging incredibly attractive:

Solar + EV Home Charging Economics

• 5kW Solar System: R80,000-R120,000
• Annual Generation: 8,500-9,500 kWh (Cape Town climate)
• Annual EV Consumption: 2,160-2,880 kWh (1,000-1,500km/month)
• Result: Solar covers 100% of EV charging + 70% of home usage
• Payback: 4-5 years (EV + home combined savings)
• After Payback: Decades of FREE driving

Load Shedding Independence

• Charge during sunny days even when grid is down
• Battery backup (10kWh) adds uninterrupted charging capability
• Never affected by public charger outages
• Complete energy independence

Cape Town is THE ideal city in South Africa for solar + EV combination. Don’t waste this advantage by relying on expensive public charging!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there DC fast chargers in Cape Town?

A: As of December 2025, Cape Town has limited DC fast charging infrastructure. Most public EV charging stations are 7kW AC chargers requiring 3-6 hours for meaningful charge. V&A Waterfront is exploring DC fast charging installation for 2026. This is another reason why home charging (charge overnight while you sleep) is far more practical.

Q: How much does parking cost while charging at V&A Waterfront?

A: V&A Waterfront parking is R20-R40/hour depending on location. For a 4-hour charging session, expect R80-R160 parking PLUS R5.50/kWh electricity cost. Total cost can reach R300-R400 for one charging session. Compare this to R100-R200 for same charge at home!

Q: Can I rely entirely on public charging in Cape Town?

A: Technically yes – Cape Town has 45-50 public charging locations. However, it costs 67% more than home charging (R600-R1,300/month premium), wastes 220+ hours annually, and requires constant planning. The infrastructure was designed as backup/travel charging, not primary solution. 95% of Cape Town EV owners use home charging daily.

Q: What’s the best charging strategy for Cape Town’s tourist season?

A: December-February, avoid V&A Waterfront and Atlantic Seaboard charging stations (tourists + locals = long waits). Use northern suburbs (Tyger Valley, N1 City) or southern suburbs (Cavendish, Blue Route) for faster access. Better yet: charge at home and avoid the hassle entirely!

Q: Should I install solar panels with my home charger in Cape Town?

A: Highly recommended! Cape Town has SA’s best solar potential (2,500+ hours annually). A 5kW system provides free EV charging + significant home power. Combined solar + EV charger pays for itself in 4-5 years. ChargePoint SA offers integrated packages. With Cape Town’s sunshine, NOT going solar is leaving money on the table.

Q: How do the Winelands charging stations work?

A: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek area have several charging options. Some wine farms offer complimentary charging to restaurant patrons (La Paris, Delaire Graff). Stellenbosch Square has public GridCars chargers (R5.50/kWh). Great for day trips from Cape Town, but plan ahead – limited infrastructure compared to city.

Q: What happens to public chargers during Cape Town’s famous wind?

A: Chargers themselves work fine in wind. However, standing outside your car in 60km/h+ southeaster wind for 3-4 hours is miserable. Another reason Cape Town EV owners prefer home charging – charge in your garage, protected from wind!

🎯 Take Action: Install Home Charging Today

Step 1: Calculate Your Savings

See exactly how much you’ll save by switching from public charging to home charging. Use our EV Cost Calculator with Cape Town’s electricity rates and your driving patterns.

Step 2: Get Installation Quote

Request a quote from ChargePoint SA for professional home charger installation in Cape Town. Include:

• Your location (City Bowl, Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, etc.)
• Photos of your DB board and parking area
• Your EV model
• Interest in solar integration (highly recommended for Cape Town!)
• Complex/estate info if applicable

Step 3: Professional Installation

ChargePoint SA installs your EV home charger in Cape Town with:

• Full compliance with City of Cape Town electrical regulations
• Certificate of Compliance included
• Solar integration available (leverage Cape Town’s sunshine!)
• Typically completed within 1 week from approval
• Same-day installation in most cases

Step 4: Start Saving Immediately

From day one, save R600-R1,300 monthly compared to public charging while enjoying:

• Ultimate convenience (charge while you sleep)
• 220+ hours saved annually
• No more V&A parking fees
• Free charging with solar panels
• Peace of mind with your own charger

💬 Final Thoughts: Cape Town’s EV Charging Reality

Cape Town boasts South Africa’s best EV charging infrastructure with 45-50 public charging locations across the Metro. The V&A Waterfront alone has 8+ chargers. However, the math is undeniable:

Public charging costs 67% more (R5.50/kWh vs R1.80-R3.20/kWh), wastes 220+ hours annually, and requires constant planning around availability, parking fees, and Cape Town traffic.

That’s why 95% of Cape Town EV owners rely on home charging. Home charging delivers:

• ✅ 67% cost savings: R414-R1,332 monthly vs public charging
• ✅ Best electricity rates in SA: R1.80-R3.20/kWh (City of Cape Town)
• ✅ FREE charging with solar: Cape Town has SA’s best solar potential
• ✅ 220+ hours saved annually: No more charging trips through traffic
• ✅ No parking fees: Save R80-R160 per V&A visit
• ✅ Always available: Your personal charging station
• ✅ Pays for itself: Installation recovered in 15-20 months

Public EV charging stations in Cape Town serve their purpose as backup infrastructure and tourism charging. But for daily use, home charging – especially with solar panels – is the clear winner.

Cape Town offers the perfect storm for EV adoption: lowest electricity rates in SA + best solar potential + growing charging infrastructure. Don’t waste this advantage by paying premium prices for public charging when you can charge at home for a fraction of the cost.

🎯 Stop Paying Premium Prices for Public Charging
Install your own EV home charger and save R600-R1,300 every month. Get a quote from ChargePoint SA for professional installation in Cape Town. Ask about our solar integration packages to leverage Cape Town’s exceptional sunshine. Join the 95% of Cape Town EV owners who enjoy convenient, affordable home charging.