EV Charging Stations Johannesburg: Complete 2026 Map & Guide to Public Charging in Joburg

Sandton City’s 8 GridCars wallboxes are the busiest charging hub in Gauteng — and the typical 30-minute wait during peak hours is exactly why home charging beats public for daily use. Across Johannesburg and Pretoria, 60-70 public charging stations now serve the metro, but at R5.50/kWh versus R1.95-R3.40/kWh for home charging, the cost difference is stark. For a typical 1,000km monthly commute, home charging saves R378-R639 every month while eliminating 240+ hours of annual traffic time spent driving to malls and waiting for available chargers.

This guide maps every public EV charging location across Gauteng in 2026, from Sandton City to Mall of Africa, including costs, availability, and charging speeds. We also show you why home charging delivers 64% cost savings compared to public infrastructure.

Map pre-filtered to Johannesburg. View all South Africa stations →

Map of EV Charging Stations in Johannesburg (2026)

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

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

Real Cost Comparison: Public Charging vs Home Charging in Johannesburg

Public Charging Stations in Johannesburg: The True Costs

Public charging: GridCars rate R5.50/kWh. Home charging: City Power 2026 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.

According to City Power’s 2026 tariff structure, residential electricity rates remain significantly lower than commercial charging rates, making home charging the most economical option for daily use.

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:

1. Notorious Traffic: 40+ minute drives to Sandton City during peak hour just to charge
2. Security Concerns: Can’t leave car unattended at most locations
3. Mall Congestion: Finding parking at Mall of Africa on weekends is a nightmare
4. Load-Shedding: Public chargers offline during power cuts (frequent in Joburg)
5. Limited DC Fast Charging: Almost all stations are slow 7kW AC chargers
6. Altitude Effect: Johannesburg’s altitude reduces battery efficiency slightly
7. ICE-ing: Petrol cars constantly block EV bays (especially at busy malls)
8. Weekend Wait Times: 60+ minute waits at Sandton, Mall of Africa common

The GridCars network continues to expand across Gauteng, but infrastructure challenges persist during peak demand periods. According to MyBroadband’s 2026 infrastructure report, public charging demand has outpaced supply growth in major metros.

Why Home Charging is the Smart Choice for Johannesburg EV Owners

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 19-66 months depending on usage
• After payback: Pure savings for years

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
• Control over your charging schedule
• Not dependent on mall hours or public infrastructure uptime

According to Electric Vehicle Association of Southern Africa, most South African EV owners prioritise home charging for daily use, reserving public infrastructure for travel and emergencies.

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

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 R378-R639/month!

Smart Strategy: Home Charging + Backup Public

The optimal approach for Johannesburg EV owners:

Primary Charging (Daily): 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 (Occasional): 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 (daily charging at cheap home rates)
• Peace of mind (backup available)
• 240+ hours saved annually (no traffic for charging)
• Best quality of life as Joburg EV owner

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there DC fast chargers in Johannesburg?

A: As of April 2026, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How much does home charger installation cost in Johannesburg?

A: R12,000-R25,000 for installation (charger + labour + Certificate of Compliance). Based on public charging savings of R378-R639/month for typical 1,000km monthly driving, your home charger pays for itself in 19-66 months depending on usage. After payback, it’s pure savings plus 240+ hours reclaimed annually.

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 R378-R639 monthly (for 1,000km driving) compared to public charging while enjoying:

• 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

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 home charging is the smart choice for daily use. Home charging delivers:

• 64% cost savings: R378-R1,278 monthly vs public charging
• 240+ hours saved annually: No more traffic for charging runs
• Convenience: Charge while you sleep in your garage
• Always available: Never wait for an occupied charger
• Load-shedding solution: Solar + battery for uninterrupted charging
• Security: Charge safely at home, no mall concerns
• Pays for itself: Installation recovered in 19-66 months depending on usage

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?