Uber rolls out Electric Go and Moto in Johannesburg

The rollout marks bid to deal with SA's affordability crisis

- By ESG Now

Uber has moved decisively into South Africa’s electric-mobility transition, launching its first fully electric ride-hailing service, Uber Go Electric, while expanding its low-cost Uber Moto offering across Johannesburg.

The dual rollout marks the company’s strongest attempt yet to respond to South Africa’s affordability crisis, the country’s lagging electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the growing pressure to decarbonise urban transport.

South African commuters spend up to 30% of their monthly income on transport, which is among the highest shares globally, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa).

The country has about 250 000 ride-hailing drivers, but fewer than 1 000 registered electric vehicles, representing under 0.2% of the national vehicle fleet.

Against that backdrop, Uber’s 100 EV launch signals a strategic shift in a market where cost, climate, and congestion pressures are converging fast.