EV Charging Stations Durban: Complete 2025 Map & Guide to Public Charging in Durban

Looking for EV charging stations in Durban? This comprehensive 2025 guide covers all public charging locations across eThekwini, from Umhlanga to Ballito, including costs, availability, and charging speeds. We’ll also show you why 95% of EV owners in Durban rely on home charging as their primary solution.

Whether you’re planning a trip, need emergency charging, or considering an EV purchase in Durban, this guide provides everything you need to know about public EV charging infrastructure in the eThekwini area.

🗺️ EV Charging Stations Durban: Quick Overview (2025)

📍 Complete Map of EV Charging Stations in Durban (2025)

Umhlanga & Umhlanga Rocks

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

• Location: 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 4
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
• Typical Wait: 10-30 minutes during peak times
• Full Charge Time: 6-8 hours

The Pearls Mall

• Location: 6 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours
• Challenge: Limited spots, often full on weekends

Chartwell Drive Shopping Centre

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

Ballito & North Coast

Ballito Junction Regional Mall

• Location: 6 Simbithi Drive, Ballito
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 3
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours
• Note: Popular stop for travelers to/from Johannesburg

Lifestyle Centre Ballito

• Location: Compensation Beach Road, Ballito
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh

Durban North & La Lucia

La Lucia Mall

• Location: 13 William Campbell Drive, La Lucia
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 3
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)

Durban North Toyota

• Location: 88 Umgeni Road, Durban North
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Dealership hours (weekdays)

Durban CBD & Berea

Hilton Hotel Durban

• Location: 12-14 Walnut Road, Durban
• Provider: Hotel guests/visitors
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: Varies (typically R6.00/kWh)
• Access: Hotel guests priority

The Berea Centre

• Location: 249 Stephen Dlamini Road, Berea
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh

Westville & Hillcrest

The Pavilion Shopping Centre

• Location: Jack Martens Drive, Westville
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 4
• Cost: R5.50/kWh
• Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
• Note: Busiest charging location in Durban

Hillcrest Corner

• Location: Old Main Road, Hillcrest
• Provider: GridCars
• Type: AC charging (7kW)
• Number of Chargers: 2
• Cost: R5.50/kWh

South Durban & Bluff

The Bluff Pick n Pay

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

📊 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 Durban. Most people are shocked by the difference.

💰 Real Cost Comparison: Public Charging vs Home Charging in Durban

Public Charging Stations in Durban: The True Costs

Public charging: GridCars rate R5.50/kWh. Home charging: eThekwini July 2025 rates R2.13-R3.33/kWh. Based on 18 kWh/100km average consumption.

Annual Cost Comparison

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

• Public Charging (GridCars): R1,188/month = R14,256/year
• Home Charging (eThekwini rates): R460-R720/month = R5,520-R8,640/year
• Annual Savings with Home Charging: R5,616-R8,736

Over 5 years, home charging saves you R28,080-R43,680 compared to relying on public EV charging stations in Durban.

⏰ The Hidden Costs of Public Charging Stations

Time is Money

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

Weekly Time Investment for Public Charging:

• Drive to charging station: 15-20 minutes average
• Wait for available charger: 10-30 minutes (peak times)
• Charging session (50kWh): 3-5 hours (7kW AC chargers)
• Cannot leave car: Mall security concerns, need to monitor
• Drive home: 15-20 minutes
• Total time per charging session: 4-6 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: ~200 hours (equivalent to 5 full work weeks!)

Inconvenience Factors

Common frustrations at Durban EV charging stations:

1. Charger Occupied: Arrive to find all spots taken, especially at Gateway and Pavilion on weekends
2. Out of Service: Technical issues can leave chargers offline for days or weeks
3. ICE-ing: Petrol cars parking in EV spots (common at Durban malls)
4. Limited Hours: Most stations only accessible during mall hours
5. Load Shedding: Public chargers also affected by power cuts
6. Weather Exposure: Durban’s heat and humidity make waiting uncomfortable
7. Security: Can’t leave car unattended in some areas
8. Payment Issues: App glitches, card declines, network connectivity problems

🏠 Why 95% of Durban EV Owners Choose Home Charging

The Home Charging Advantage

Cost Savings:

• 61% cheaper than public charging stations (R2.13-R3.33/kWh vs R5.50/kWh)
• Save R5,616-R8,736 annually compared to public charging
• Home charger installation pays for itself in 18-24 months from public charging savings alone

Ultimate Convenience:

• Always available – your personal charging station
• Charge overnight while you sleep (6-8 hours)
• Never wait for an available charger
• Never drive out of your way to charge
• Wake up to a full battery every morning
• Charge during off-peak hours for maximum savings

Time Savings:

• Save 200+ hours annually vs public charging
• No more “charging trips” – just plug in at home
• 60 seconds total time investment per day

Reliability:

• Never affected by occupied chargers
• Not dependent on mall hours
• Works during load shedding (with solar + battery backup)
• No network connectivity issues
• Complete control over your charging

🔌 Ready to Stop Relying on Public Charging?
Install your own EV home charger and save R500-R1,200 monthly compared to public charging stations. Get a quote from ChargePoint SA for professional installation in Durban. Most installations complete within 1 week, and you’ll immediately start saving money and time.

📱 How to Use Public EV Charging Stations in Durban

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
• Navigate to location

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: Stop Charging

• Stop session in app when desired charge level reached
• Unplug cable from car
• Return cable to charger holster
• Receipt sent via email

Alternative Charging Options

Hotel Charging (Visitors):

• Hilton Durban, Coastlands Hotel, Beverly Hills Hotel
• Usually reserved for guests
• Cost: R6-R8/kWh typically
• Best for overnight stays

Dealership Charging (Service Customers):

• Toyota, BMW, Volvo dealerships in Durban
• Usually free while vehicle being serviced
• Not for public use without service appointment

🚗 When Public Charging Stations Make Sense

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

1. Road Trips & Long Distance Travel

• Scenario: Driving from Durban to Johannesburg
• Solution: Stop at Ballito Junction or Mooi River Plaza
• Charge while eating lunch: 45-60 minute top-up

2. Emergency Charging

• Scenario: Forgot to charge at home
• Solution: Quick top-up at nearest mall (Gateway, Pavilion)
• Cost: Accept the higher rate for one-time convenience

3. Apartment/Complex Residents (Temporary)

• Scenario: Can’t install home charger yet (body corporate approval pending)
• Solution: Use public charging 2-3 times weekly
• Goal: Get home charging approved ASAP to save money

4. Test Driving EVs

• Scenario: Considering EV purchase, want to test charging infrastructure
• Solution: Try public charging to understand the process
• Reality Check: You’ll quickly see why home charging is essential

💡 Smart Strategy: Use Both Home and Public Charging

The optimal approach for Durban EV owners:

Primary Charging (95%): Home Charger

• Charge overnight, every night at home
• Pay R2.13-R3.33/kWh (eThekwini rates)
• Wake up with 100% battery
• Zero time investment beyond plugging in

Backup Charging (5%): Public Stations

• Emergency top-ups when needed
• Road trip charging (Ballito, N3 route)
• Opportunity charging during long mall visits

This strategy gives you:

• Maximum cost savings (95% at cheap home rates)
• Complete peace of mind (backup option available)
• Ultimate flexibility for all driving scenarios
• Best of both worlds

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there DC fast chargers in Durban?

A: As of December 2025, Durban has very limited DC fast charging infrastructure. Most public EV charging stations in Durban are 7kW AC chargers requiring 3-6 hours for a meaningful charge. This is another reason why home charging (charge overnight) is far more practical than relying on public charging.

Q: Can I rely entirely on public charging stations in Durban?

A: Technically yes, but it’s expensive (61% more than home charging), time-consuming (200+ hours annually), and inconvenient. The 30+ EV charging stations in Durban were designed as backup/travel infrastructure, not as primary charging solutions. 95% of EV owners in Durban have home charging for daily use.

Q: How much does it cost to install a home charger in Durban?

A: R12,000-R25,000 for complete installation (charger + labor + Certificate of Compliance). Based on public charging savings alone (R500-R1,200/month), your home charger pays for itself in 10-24 months. After that, it’s pure savings for years.

Q: What happens during load shedding at public charging stations?

A: Public EV charging stations in Durban stop working during load shedding, just like home chargers. The difference: you can’t control when you need to charge at a public station, but at home you can plan around load shedding schedules or install solar + battery backup for uninterrupted charging.

Q: Are EV charging stations free at Durban malls?

A: No. All GridCars charging stations at Durban malls (Gateway, Pavilion, La Lucia Mall, etc.) charge R5.50/kWh. Parking is free while charging, but electricity is not. Some dealerships offer free charging to service customers only.

Q: Can I get free charging anywhere in Durban?

A: Very rarely. Some BMW/Volvo dealerships offer free charging to vehicle owners during service appointments. Otherwise, expect to pay R5.50-R8.00/kWh at public stations. The cheapest charging in Durban is always at home (R2.13-R3.33/kWh).

Q: How do I find EV charging stations in Durban while driving?

A: Use the GridCars app (shows all their locations with real-time availability) or PlugShare app (community-sourced, worldwide coverage). Your EV’s built-in navigation also shows charging stations. Most are at major malls: Gateway, Pavilion, Ballito Junction, La Lucia Mall.

Q: What if the public charger is occupied when I arrive?

A: You wait or drive to another location. This is common at busy times (weekend afternoons at Gateway can have 30+ minute waits). With home charging, your charger is always available when YOU need it.

🎯 Take Action: Install Home Charging Today

Step 1: Calculate Your Savings

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

Step 2: Get Installation Quote

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

• Your location (Umhlanga, Ballito, Durban North, etc.)
• Photos of your DB board and parking area
• Your EV model
• Whether you live in a complex (we handle body corporate approvals)

Step 3: Professional Installation

ChargePoint SA installs your EV home charger in Durban with:

• Full compliance with eThekwini electrical regulations
• Certificate of Compliance included
• Typically completed within 1 week from approval
• Same-day installation in most cases
• Full training on charger operation

Step 4: Start Saving Immediately

From day one, you’ll save R500-R1,200 monthly compared to public charging while enjoying:

• Ultimate convenience (charge while you sleep)
• Zero wasted time driving to charging stations
• Always available when you need it
• Peace of mind with your own charger

💬 Final Thoughts: Public Charging vs Home Charging in Durban

Durban’s EV charging stations network has grown significantly in 2025, with 25-30 public charging locations across eThekwini. This infrastructure serves an important role for road trips, emergencies, and temporary solutions. However, the reality is clear:

Public charging costs 61% more (R5.50/kWh vs R2.13-R3.33/kWh), wastes 200+ hours annually, and requires constant planning around charger availability.

That’s why 95% of EV owners in Durban rely on home charging as their primary solution. Home charging delivers:

• ✅ 61% cost savings: R391-R1,213 monthly vs public charging
• ✅ Ultimate convenience: Charge while you sleep, wake up to 100% battery
• ✅ 200+ hours saved annually: No more charging trips
• ✅ Always available: Your personal charging station, never occupied
• ✅ Pays for itself: Installation cost recovered in 10-24 months
• ✅ Better for battery: Slow overnight charging healthier than rapid public charging

Public EV charging stations in Durban serve their purpose as backup infrastructure and travel charging. But for daily use, home charging is the clear winner in cost, convenience, and practicality.

Whether you’re in Umhlanga, Ballito, Durban North, Westville, or anywhere in eThekwini, installing a home charger is the smartest investment you can make as an EV owner in Durban.

🎯 Stop Paying Premium Prices for Public Charging
Install your own EV home charger and start saving R500-R1,200 every month. Get a quote from ChargePoint SA for professional installation in Durban. Join the 95% of Durban EV owners who rely on convenient, affordable home charging.