Eskom launches first public electric car chargers in two large South African malls

Eskom launches first public EV chargers at two SA malls, marking a significant development in South Africa’s transition towards electric mobility. The power utility has introduced publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga and The Pavilion Shopping Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The launch expands access to public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and gives motorists another option when charging their vehicles. Each station features fast direct current (DC) charging facilities and an alternating current (AC) charging port, with prices set according to the type of charger used.

The development comes as South Africa continues exploring ways to encourage electric vehicle adoption, reduce transport emissions and diversify its energy use. However, Eskom’s entry into the public charging market has also raised questions about competition, electricity tariffs and the pace of its planned infrastructure rollout.

Eskom EV charging stations launched in Durban

The new Eskom EV charging stations are located at Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga and The Pavilion Shopping Centre in Durban.

The development was announced by Seeralin Nayager, Eskom BPMO project execution middle manager, in a LinkedIn post describing the launch as an important milestone for the utility and South African e-mobility.

Nayager invited electric vehicle drivers in KwaZulu-Natal and visitors travelling through the province to use the new facilities, highlighting Eskom’s intention to support the growing electric transport market.

Each station has two DC charging connectors supporting charging speeds of up to 120 kilowatts (kW), alongside one AC charging port offering speeds of up to 22kW.

The combination gives motorists access to different charging options depending on their vehicles, charging requirements and available time.

DC fast charging is generally suitable for drivers who want to replenish their batteries relatively quickly, while AC charging can be useful when a vehicle remains parked for a longer period.

How much will drivers pay to charge electric cars?

One of the notable features of the new charging stations is the published pricing.

According to the supplied report, Eskom’s DC charging rate is R5.88 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while AC charging costs R4.71 per kWh.

These rates are lower than the reported R7.35 per kWh charged at a GridCars DC charging station previously operating at Gateway.

The difference could make the new facilities attractive to motorists seeking to manage the cost of running an electric vehicle.

For example, charging a battery by 36kWh at the stated DC rate would cost approximately R211.68, excluding any additional fees that might apply. At R7.35 per kWh, the same amount of electricity would cost R264.60, a difference of R52.92.

Actual charging costs depend on the amount of electricity required, the vehicle’s battery capacity, charging efficiency and the applicable tariff.

Drivers should check the current prices and payment requirements at the charging stations before using them.

Electric vehicles in South Africa: What the launch means

The expansion of public charging facilities is an important consideration for electric vehicles in South Africa. Access to reliable chargers can influence where motorists travel, how they plan journeys and whether they consider switching from petrol or diesel vehicles.

Drivers who have access to home or workplace charging may find it easier to manage daily charging needs. Public stations, meanwhile, can provide additional flexibility for people travelling longer distances or those who cannot install a private charger.

The Gateway and Pavilion installations give EV motorists additional charging options in the Durban area, including at two major shopping destinations where vehicles may remain parked while owners shop, dine or attend other activities.

Charging speed, however, varies by vehicle. Although the new DC chargers support outputs of up to 120kW, a vehicle will only charge at the maximum rate if its battery system supports it and conditions allow.

The supplied report estimates that an electric vehicle with a 60kWh battery could charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 35 to 40 minutes, assuming compatibility with the maximum charging speed. Actual charging times may be longer because charging rates can decrease as the battery fills and can vary with temperature and vehicle specifications.

Why public EV charging infrastructure matters

Public EV charging infrastructure can help address concerns about charging availability, particularly for motorists who travel between cities or do not have convenient access to private charging.

A broader network of charging stations may also support businesses considering electric delivery vehicles and other transport applications.

However, building an effective network requires more than installing charging equipment. Operators must consider electricity supply, site costs, maintenance, customer payment systems, charger reliability and demand.

The price motorists pay per kWh is only one part of the equation. Operators must also recover the costs of installing and maintaining equipment, connecting sites to the electricity network and keeping charging facilities available.

For South Africa’s EV market to expand sustainably, charging infrastructure needs to be accessible while allowing operators to compete under transparent and appropriate regulatory arrangements.

Eskom’s broader electric vehicle charging plans

Eskom began introducing EV charging infrastructure in August 2024 through a pilot project covering 10 charging stations across five of its properties in Midrand, Brackenfell, Pietermaritzburg, Rustenburg and Mbombela.

Those installations were not generally available to the public.

In September 2025, Eskom showcased its first 20 electric vehicles and outlined plans to transition its entire fleet to electric vehicles by 2035.

The utility also announced plans to roll out 55 public EV charging stations over two years. According to the supplied report, the Gateway and Pavilion installations are the first two of those planned public stations to launch, around 13 months after the announcement.

The rollout raises questions about how quickly Eskom can expand the network and whether additional stations will be introduced in other provinces.

A wider network could give motorists more charging choices, but the pace of development will depend on investment, site readiness, electricity infrastructure and regulatory requirements.

What motorists can expect next

The two Durban stations provide a starting point for Eskom’s public charging ambitions. Further expansion would help determine whether the utility can establish a meaningful presence across South Africa’s main travel routes and urban centres.

Motorists should monitor Eskom’s official announcements for information about new locations, pricing changes, access requirements and payment methods.

The development also highlights the importance of interoperability and clear information so that drivers can identify compatible chargers and understand the costs before beginning a charging session.

Concerns over competition and Eskom’s market position

Eskom’s entry into public EV charging has prompted concerns among stakeholders about its position in the electricity market and the potential effect on private charging operators.

A report by MyBroadband cited allegations that Eskom had offered exemptions from, or reductions in, notified maximum demand (NMD) fees to businesses installing its charging stations.

The NMD fee relates to the maximum electricity demand declared for a connection and can contribute significantly to the operating costs of charging facilities.

If selected properties receive more favourable electricity-related terms than competitors, critics argue that this could affect competition by allowing some charging operators to offer lower prices.

These allegations have not, by themselves, established that Eskom has breached competition or electricity-pricing rules.

The Competition Commission and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) could become relevant if evidence indicates that competition law or applicable regulatory requirements have been contravened.

Eskom has reportedly said that its pilot pricing would follow existing tariff frameworks and regulatory requirements. It also indicated that final pricing would use appropriate tariffs developed and approved by NERSA.

Transparent pricing arrangements will be important as Eskom expands its involvement in a market that already includes private charging operators.

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Conclusion: Eskom expands public EV charging access

Eskom launches first public EV chargers at two SA malls, adding new charging facilities at Gateway Theatre of Shopping and The Pavilion Shopping Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.

The stations offer DC charging at R5.88 per kWh and AC charging at R4.71 per kWh, according to the supplied report. Their introduction gives motorists additional options and marks progress towards Eskom’s wider public charging plans.

However, the long-term impact will depend on further network expansion, reliable service, transparent electricity pricing and fair competition between charging providers.

As electric vehicles in South Africa continue to develop, accessible public charging infrastructure will remain an important part of supporting motorists and encouraging the transition to electric mobility.

References from mainstream media

1. MyBroadband – Eskom launches first public electric car chargers in two large South African malls. Published 12 October 2026. Covers the launch at Gateway and Pavilion malls, charging speeds, prices and concerns about competition in the EV charging market. Link: Read the full report on MyBroadband
2. TopAuto – The South African company installing public chargers at shopping malls. Published 13 October 2026. Reports on Eskom’s public charging rollout, its plans to expand the network and the importance of improving access to EV charging facilities. Link: Read the full report on TopAuto
3. Engineering News – Eskom announces introductory EV charging discount as it unveils two KZN sites. Published 13 October 2026. Reports on the launch of the charging stations in KwaZulu-Natal and Eskom’s introductory charging discount. Link: Read Engineering News coverage

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