Optimal Energy of South Africa Introduces “Joule” Electric Car

March 2, 2010 – Vol.14 No.50

Optimal Energy of South Africa Introduces “Joule” Electric Car.

Joule, an electric vehicle from South African company Optimal Energy, is on display at the 80th International Motor Show in Geneva in a form close to the planned production version.

Full-scale production of Joule will begin at the end of 2012, with cars in showrooms by mid-2013. Key design goals for the finished product include a range of 230 kilometres (142 miles) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) or 300km (186 miles) using the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS), integration with existing charging infrastructure, a genuine freeway cruising capability, seating for five, a 4-star NCAP safety rating and a retail price of EUR 24,300 ( $33,000) in current terms.

Performance includes a 0-60 km/h (37 mph) acceleration time of less than five seconds, 100 km/h (62 mph) coming in under 15 seconds. Maximum speed is 135 km/h (84 mph), making Joule suitable for highway driving.

Normal charging is from a single-phase 230v /16A supply to a charge point located on the Joule. A photo-voltaic solar panel mounted on Joule’s roof will be offered as an option.

Optimal Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EDAG, a German automotive full service supplier, to industrialise the Joule. Joules will be built in South Africa.

Optimal Energy has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Energy Innovation Group (EIG), a South Korean lithium battery cell supplier, to explore the potential of setting up a manufacturing facility in South Africa, for the non-exclusive supply of cells to Optimal Energy. The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), as potential investor, is party to this Memorandum. The IDC is currently an investor in Optimal Energy.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of South Africa has just announced its 2010 – 2013 Industrial Policy Action Plan, in which the commercialisation of South Africa’s electric car is specifically addressed. This includes the provision of appropriate support to encourage local manufacture of EV’s and related components, infrastructure roll-out for such EV’s, creation of testing facilities, provision of demand stimulation mechanisms and public education on the use and benefits of alternative energy source vehicles.

Optimal Energy is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. (3/2/10)

Links:

Optimal Energy
http://www.optimalenergy.co.za

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No