The EV Revolution Is Building Momentum
South Africa’s transport landscape is changing. From the Department of Transport’s Green Mobility Plan to global automakers announcing local EV partnerships, there’s a clear shift toward electric mobility. Industry reports covered by ITWeb highlight growing optimism, yet they also expose a stark reality: while EV technology is promising, adoption remains slow due to high prices and limited infrastructure.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), electric vehicle sales increased by nearly 50% year-on-year in 2025, but that still represents less than 2% of total vehicle sales. For most South Africans, EVs are an exciting idea, not an accessible option.
The Real Roadblock: Cost and Charging
The average electric vehicle in South Africa still costs more than R700,000, putting it well out of reach for the majority of travellers. Even for those who can afford one, charging infrastructure is patchy. There are fewer than 400 public charging stations nationwide, concentrated mainly in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
For anyone driving long-distance, say, Johannesburg to Durban or Cape Town to George, range anxiety remains a real concern. Until South Africa’s grid and charging network mature, EVs aren’t yet practical for most everyday travellers.
Carpooling: The Smart, Accessible Solution
That’s where carpooling steps in. While EV adoption grows slowly, verified carpooling platforms like CrabaRide already deliver immediate impact, lower costs, reduced emissions, and a safer travel experience.
At CrabaRide, our focus is simple: Safe. Affordable. Convenient. We make it possible for South Africans to travel long distances together through verified, transparent, and community-driven ridesharing.
Why It Works Right Now
- Lower Emissions Today: Sharing rides reduces the number of vehicles on the road, cutting fuel use and carbon output immediately.
- Cost Efficiency: Travellers split fuel and toll costs fairly using ZAR-based transparent pricing.
- Verified Travel: All CrabaRide users are verified and rated, creating trust and safety on every journey.
- WhatsApp-First Platform: Organising your trip is easy through WhatsApp or Facebook, no extra apps or downloads.
Learn more about how our carpooling process works at crabaride.co.za/how-it-works.
Why EVs and Carpooling Can Work Together
The rise of electric vehicles doesn’t compete with carpooling, it complements it. In fact, future electric carpools could make sustainable travel even more efficient. But to get there, South Africa must first build a culture of shared mobility.
For now, platforms like CrabaRide bridge the gap between aspiration and accessibility. We’re helping people travel more responsibly without waiting for infrastructure or high-tech vehicles to catch up.
When you share a car, you’re already participating in the green mobility movement, at a fraction of the cost.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainability Starts with Behaviour
Sustainability isn’t only about technology; it’s about how we use what we have. South Africa’s roads are filled with single-occupant vehicles, wasting fuel, space, and money every day. Choosing to share rides is a small but meaningful step toward cleaner, smarter travel.
By reducing congestion and making use of existing vehicles, CrabaRide contributes to a low-emission travel ecosystem that works today, not a decade from now.
The Takeaway
Electric vehicles are the future, but South Africans need solutions that work now. Verified carpooling with CrabaRide offers the safe, affordable, and convenient travel alternative for long-distance routes today.
Until EVs become mainstream, CrabaRide helps South Africans save money, connect safely, and travel sustainably, one shared ride at a time.
Find your next ride via WhatsApp or visit crabaride.co.za/rides — Safe. Affordable. Convenient.
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