Optimal Energy Joule

Optimal Energy Joule
Optimal Energy, (Pty) Ltd.
Type Private
Industry Automotive
Founded 2005
Headquarters Cape Town, South Africa
Key people

Kobus Meiring (CEO)
Keith Helfet (chief designer)
Diana Blake (Sales & Marketing Director)
Mike Lomberg (co-founder)
Jian Swiegers (co-founder)

Gerhard Swart (co-founder)
Products Joule
Employees 120 +
Website http://www.optimalenergy.co.za/
The Optimal Energy Joule

Joule is an electric five seat passenger car that is to be mass produced from 2014 by Optimal Energy, a South African company based in Cape Town. According to the company, it will have a nominal driving range of 300 km and a top speed of 135 km/h. Designed to achieve a Euro NCAP 4 star safety rating, it complies with the very stringent EU standards, and aims to offer an incredibly convenient ownership experience, from driving and owning, to after-sales and support.

Contents

Unveiling

The Joule was first unveiled to the general public at the 2008 Paris Motor Show on October 2, 2008. It has since undergone some interior and exterior changes, most notably the change from a six-seater to a 5-seater vehicle, before being revealed to the public at the 2010 Geneva Motor show on 2 March 2010 in a form that is close to the final production version.

Optimal Energy

The Joule is the first electric car to be produced by Optimal Energy [1], the Cape Town based company has been working on the concept since 2004. The design of the car was done by legendary Jaguar car designer Keith Helfet. Keith is best known for the XJ220, and the F-type concept car. The Joule shows the same 'flowing lines' as his previous designs.

Kobus Meiring, Optimal Energy CEO suggests that sustainability of the Internal Combustion Engine vehicle has fuelled increasing need for sustainable vehicle propulsion systems. This, as well as increasing fuel prices and rising country taxes, caused Optimal Energy to embark on the production of a vehicle that could meet these needs.

Investment to Date

The funding up to this point has been through government investments, in particular, the South African Department of Science & Technology (DST) through the Innovation Fund, as well as other private investments. The Innovation Fund has invested up to US$5 million in the project so far. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa is a major shareholder, with 22% of equity in Optimal Energy[2].

Class

The Joule is classed as a five seat passenger car.

Specifications

  • Length - 3.8 m (150 in)
  • Turning Circle - 10.2 m (33 ft)
  • Mass - 1,200 kg (2,646 lb)
  • Seats - Five
  • Boot space - 700 L (25 cu ft)
  • Top Speed - Governed at 135 km/h (84 mph)
  • Acceleration - 0–60 km/h in less than 5 sec
  • Range - 300 kilometres (190 mi)
  • Charge time - The battery has a nominal recharge time of 8 hours

Future

A small pilot fleet of Joules was manufactured in conjunction with Hi-Tech Automotive in Port Elizabeth during 2010. The car is expected to be sold in South Africa as well as Europe from 2014.[citation needed]

See also

References

External links



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