Looking for EV charging stations in Johannesburg? This comprehensive 2025 guide covers all public charging locations across Gauteng, from Sandton City to Mall of Africa, including costs, availability, and charging speeds. We’ll also show you why 95% of Johannesburg EV owners rely on home charging as their primary solution.
Whether you’re navigating Jo’burg traffic, need emergency charging, or considering an EV purchase in Gauteng, this guide provides everything you need to know about public EV charging infrastructure in South Africa’s economic hub.
πΊοΈ EV Charging Stations Johannesburg: Quick Overview (2025)
| Factor | Public Charging | Home Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Locations | ~60-70 stations | Your garage |
| Cost per kWh | R4.00-R12.00 | R1.95-R3.40 (City Power) |
| Availability | Often occupied, may need to wait | Always available |
| Charging Time | 45min-3hours (while you wait) | 6-8 hours (while you sleep) |
| Convenience | Must drive to location, wait, monitor | Plug in when you get home |
| Monthly Cost (1,000km) | R720-R2,160 | R351-R612 |
π Complete Map of EV Charging Stations in Johannesburg (2025)
Sandton & Financial District
Sandton City Shopping Centre
- Location: Sandton Drive, Sandton
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 8
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
- Typical Wait: 20-45 minutes during peak times
- Note: Busiest charging hub in Gauteng
Nelson Mandela Square
- Location: Sandton
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 4
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours
Michelangelo Hotel
- Location: Sandton
- Provider: Hotel charging
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 3
- Cost: R6.50/kWh
- Access: Hotel guests priority
Rosebank & Northern Suburbs
Mall of Rosebank
- Location: Bath Avenue, Rosebank
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 5
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
The Zone @ Rosebank
- Location: Oxford Road, Rosebank
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 3
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
Hyde Park Corner
- Location: Jan Smuts Avenue, Hyde Park
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 4
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours
Fourways & Northern Region
Mall of Africa
- Location: Waterfall City, Midrand
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 10
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
- Note: Largest charging hub in Joburg, but very busy
Fourways Mall
- Location: Fourways
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 6
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours
Fourways Crossing
- Location: Fourways
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 4
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
Cedar Square
- Location: Cedar Road, Fourways
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 3
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
Pretoria (Tshwane)
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
- Location: Menlyn, Pretoria
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 7
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours (9am-9pm)
- Note: Busiest Pretoria location
Brooklyn Mall
- Location: Brooklyn, Pretoria
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 4
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
Woodlands Boulevard
- Location: Pretoria East
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 3
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
East Rand
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Eastgate Shopping Centre
- Location: Bedfordview
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 5
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours
Greenstone Mall
- Location: Edenvale
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 4
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
Southern Suburbs
Southgate Mall
- Location: Mondeor
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 4
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
- Hours: Mall hours
Cresta Shopping Centre
- Location: Cresta, Randburg
- Provider: GridCars
- Type: AC charging (7kW)
- Number of Chargers: 3
- Cost: R5.50/kWh
π 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 Johannesburg. The savings will shock you.
π° Real Cost Comparison: Public Charging vs Home Charging in Johannesburg
Public Charging Stations in Johannesburg: The True Costs
| Monthly Distance | Energy Needed | Public Charging Cost | Home Charging Cost | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500km | 90 kWh | R495 (R5.50/kWh) | R176-R306 | R189-R319 |
| 1,000km | 180 kWh | R990 | R351-R612 | R378-R639 |
| 1,500km | 270 kWh | R1,485 | R527-R918 | R567-R958 |
| 2,000km | 360 kWh | R1,980 | R702-R1,224 | R756-R1,278 |
Public charging: GridCars rate R5.50/kWh. Home charging: City Power 2025 rates R1.95-R3.40/kWh. Based on 18 kWh/100km average consumption.
Annual Cost Comparison
For a typical Johannesburg commuter driving 1,200km/month:
- Public Charging (GridCars): R1,188/month = R14,256/year
- Home Charging (City Power rates): R421-R734/month = R5,052-R8,808/year
- Annual Savings with Home Charging: R5,448-R9,204
Over 5 years, home charging saves you R27,240-R46,020 compared to relying on public EV charging stations in Johannesburg.
β° The Hidden Costs of Public Charging Stations
Time is Money in Johannesburg
Beyond the higher electricity costs, public charging stations in Johannesburg come with massive time costs:
Weekly Time Investment for Public Charging:
- Drive to charging station: 20-45 minutes (Johannesburg traffic is brutal)
- Find parking: 5-20 minutes (Sandton, Mall of Africa on weekends)
- Wait for available charger: 15-60 minutes (peak times at major malls)
- Charging session (50kWh): 3-5 hours (7kW AC chargers)
- Cannot leave car: Security concerns, need to monitor
- Drive home: 20-45 minutes (through traffic again)
- Total time per charging session: 4.5-8 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: ~240 hours (equivalent to 6 full work weeks!)
Johannesburg-Specific Challenges
Common frustrations at Johannesburg EV charging stations:
- Notorious Traffic: 40+ minute drives to Sandton City during peak hour just to charge
- Security Concerns: Can’t leave car unattended at most locations
- Mall Congestion: Finding parking at Mall of Africa on weekends is a nightmare
- Load Shedding: Public chargers offline during power cuts (frequent in Joburg)
- Limited DC Fast Charging: Almost all stations are slow 7kW AC chargers
- Altitude Effect: Johannesburg’s altitude reduces battery efficiency slightly
- ICE-ing: Petrol cars constantly block EV bays (especially at busy malls)
- Weekend Wait Times: 60+ minute waits at Sandton, Mall of Africa common
π Why 95% of Johannesburg EV Owners Choose Home Charging
The Home Charging Advantage
Cost Savings:
- 64% cheaper than public charging (R1.95-R3.40/kWh vs R5.50/kWh)
- Save R5,448-R9,204 annually compared to public charging
- Home charger installation pays for itself in 16-22 months
- After payback: Pure savings for years
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 Johannesburg traffic just to charge
- Wake up to a full battery every morning
- No security concerns (charge in your own garage)
Time Savings:
- Save 240+ hours annually vs public charging
- No more “charging trips” through Jo’burg traffic
- 60 seconds total time investment per day
- Reclaim 6 work weeks worth of time annually
Load Shedding Solution:
- Charge between load shedding schedules
- Install solar + battery for uninterrupted charging
- Complete control over your charging schedule
- Not dependent on mall hours or public infrastructure uptime
π Ready to Stop Wasting Time and Money?
Install your own EV home charger and save R550-R1,200 monthly compared to public charging stations. Get a quote from ChargePoint SA for professional installation in Johannesburg. Most installations complete within 1 week, and you’ll immediately escape Joburg traffic for charging runs.
π± How to Use Public EV Charging Stations in Johannesburg
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 (critical in Joburg)
- Plan route avoiding peak traffic times
Step 3: Navigate Through Traffic
- Allow extra time for Johannesburg traffic
- Peak hours: 7-9am, 4-7pm (add 30-60 min)
- Weekend mall congestion: 11am-4pm
Step 4: Start Charging
- Park in designated EV charging bay
- Scan QR code on charger with app
- Plug in charging cable
- Confirm charge start in app
- Stay with car (security recommendation for Joburg)
Pro Tips for Johannesburg Charging
- Avoid Peak Times: Weekday mid-morning (10am-12pm) or mid-afternoon (2-4pm) are best
- Weekend Strategy: Charge early morning (8-10am) before mall crowds
- Load Shedding Check: Always verify power before driving – check Eskom schedule
- Traffic Planning: Use Waze/Google Maps to avoid congestion routes
- Security: Stay with your car, especially at outdoor charging locations
- Backup Plan: Have 2-3 charging locations identified in case first is occupied
π When Public Charging Stations Make Sense
While home charging is superior for daily use, public charging stations in Johannesburg serve specific purposes:
1. Long Distance Travel
- Scenario: Joburg to Durban, Cape Town, or Kruger Park
- Solution: Top up at Mall of Africa (N1 north) or Eastgate (N3 south)
- Strategy: Charge before entering open highway
2. Emergency Top-Ups
- Scenario: Forgot to charge at home overnight
- Solution: Quick charge at nearest mall
- Cost: Accept the premium rate for rare emergency
3. Extended Mall Visits
- Scenario: 4+ hour shopping/dining at Mall of Africa
- Solution: Opportunity charging while there anyway
- Benefit: Leave with more charge than you arrived
4. Apartment/Complex Residents (Temporary)
- Scenario: Can’t install home charger yet (body corporate approval pending)
- Solution: Use public charging while arranging installation
- Urgent: Get home charging ASAP – you’re losing R550-R1,200/month!
π‘ Smart Strategy: Home Charging + Backup Public
The optimal approach for Johannesburg EV owners:
Primary Charging (95%): Home Charger
- Charge overnight every night at home
- Pay R1.95-R3.40/kWh (City Power rates)
- Wake up with 100% battery
- Zero time wasted on charging trips
- No traffic, no waiting, no security concerns
Backup Charging (5%): Public Stations
- Emergency top-ups when needed
- Road trip charging (N1, N3, N4 routes)
- Opportunity charging during extended mall visits
- Peace of mind knowing infrastructure exists
This strategy gives you:
- Maximum cost savings (95% at cheap home rates)
- Complete peace of mind (backup available)
- 240+ hours saved annually (no traffic for charging)
- Best quality of life as Joburg EV owner
β Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there DC fast chargers in Johannesburg?
A: As of December 2025, Johannesburg has very limited DC fast charging infrastructure. Most public EV charging stations are 7kW AC chargers requiring 3-6 hours for meaningful charge. This is why home charging (charge overnight while you sleep) is far more practical than spending hours at malls waiting.
Q: Can I rely entirely on public charging in Johannesburg?
A: Technically yes – Joburg has 60-70 public charging locations. However, it costs 64% more than home charging, wastes 240+ hours annually fighting traffic, and requires constant availability planning. The infrastructure was designed as backup/travel charging, not as primary solution. 95% of Joburg EV owners use home charging daily.
Q: What happens to public chargers during load shedding?
A: Public EV charging stations stop working during load shedding, just like everything else in Johannesburg. Unlike home charging where you can plan around schedules or use solar backup, public charging offers no control. Always check Eskom schedules before driving to a public charger.
Q: How bad is the traffic driving to charging stations in Johannesburg?
A: Brutal during peak hours (7-9am, 4-7pm). Driving to Sandton City from northern suburbs can take 45-60 minutes each way. That’s 1.5-2 hours in traffic just to start a 4-hour charging session. With home charging, you plug in for 30 seconds and you’re done.
Q: Are the charging stations at Mall of Africa always busy?
A: Yes, especially weekends 11am-4pm. Mall of Africa has 10 chargers (most in Joburg) but serves massive catchment area. Wait times of 60+ minutes are common on Saturdays. Many EV owners report arriving to find all 10 spots occupied. Home charging eliminates this frustration entirely.
Q: Is it safe to leave my car while charging in Johannesburg?
A: Security is a concern at some public charging locations in Johannesburg. Most EV owners stay with their cars during charging sessions. This means 3-4 hours of waiting at a mall. With home charging, your car charges safely in your own garage overnight while you sleep.
Q: How much does home charger installation cost in Johannesburg?
A: R12,000-R25,000 for complete installation (charger + labor + Certificate of Compliance). Based on public charging savings alone (R550-R1,200/month), your home charger pays for itself in 10-24 months. After that, it’s pure savings plus 240+ hours reclaimed annually.
π― 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 Johannesburg’s electricity rates and your driving patterns.
Step 2: Get Installation Quote
Request a quote from ChargePoint SA for professional home charger installation in Johannesburg. Include:
- Your location (Sandton, Fourways, Rosebank, Pretoria, etc.)
- Photos of your DB board and parking area
- Your EV model
- Estate/complex info if applicable (we handle body corporate approvals)
- Interest in solar integration (great for load shedding immunity)
Step 3: Professional Installation
ChargePoint SA installs your EV home charger in Johannesburg with:
- Full compliance with City Power/Tshwane electrical regulations
- Certificate of Compliance included
- Typically completed within 1 week from approval
- Same-day installation in most cases
- Solar integration available (beat load shedding!)
Step 4: Start Saving Immediately
From day one, save R550-R1,200 monthly compared to public charging while enjoying:
- Ultimate convenience (charge while you sleep)
- 240+ hours saved annually (no traffic!)
- No security concerns
- Always available when you need it
- Peace of mind with your own charger
π¬ Final Thoughts: Johannesburg’s EV Charging Reality
Johannesburg boasts South Africa’s most extensive EV charging network with 60-70 public charging locations across Gauteng. Mall of Africa alone has 10 chargers. However, the reality for Joburg EV owners is clear:
Public charging costs 64% more (R5.50/kWh vs R1.95-R3.40/kWh), wastes 240+ hours annually fighting Johannesburg traffic, and requires constant planning around availability, load shedding, and security.
That’s why 95% of Johannesburg EV owners rely on home charging. Home charging delivers:
- β 64% cost savings: R378-R1,278 monthly vs public charging
- β 240+ hours saved annually: No more traffic for charging runs
- β Ultimate convenience: Charge while you sleep in your garage
- β Always available: Never wait for an occupied charger
- β Load shedding solution: Solar + battery for uninterrupted charging
- β Security: Charge safely at home, no mall concerns
- β Pays for itself: Installation recovered in 10-24 months
Public EV charging stations in Johannesburg serve their purpose as backup infrastructure and travel charging. But for daily use in South Africa’s most congested city, home charging is the only sensible solution.
Johannesburg’s traffic makes the case for home charging even stronger than other cities. Why waste 240+ hours annually sitting in traffic and at malls when you can plug in at home for 30 seconds?
π― Stop Wasting Time in Traffic to Charge
Install your own EV home charger and save R550-R1,200 every month while reclaiming 240+ hours annually. Get a quote from ChargePoint SA for professional installation in Johannesburg. Join the 95% of Joburg EV owners who enjoy convenient, affordable, traffic-free home charging.
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