| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Key people |
Kobus Meiring (CEO) |
| Products | Joule |
| Employees | 120 + |
| Website | http://www.optimalenergy.co.za/ |
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.
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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.
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.
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].
The Joule is classed as a five seat passenger car.
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.