Optimal Energy Joule: Difference between revisions
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==Unveiling== |
==Unveiling== |
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The Joule was first unveiled to the general public at the [[2008 Paris Motor Show]] on October 2, 2008. |
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. |
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Revision as of 10:19, 9 November 2010
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Cape Town, South Africa |
Key people | Kobus Meiring (CEO) Keith Helfet (chief designer) |
| Products | Joule |
Number of employees | 100 + |
| Website | http://www.optimalenergy.co.za/ |
The Joule is an electric five seat passenger car that is to be mass produced from 2012 by Optimal Energy, a South African company based in Cape Town. According to the company, it will have a range of 300 km and a top speed of 130 km/h.
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, and is the current major investor.
Class
The Joule is classed as an five seat passenger car.
Specifications
- Length - 3.8m
- Turning Circle - 10.2m
- Mass - 1200 kg
- Seats - Five
- Boot space - 700 litres
- Top Speed - Governed at 135 km/h
- Acceleration - 0–60 km/h in less than 5 sec, 0–100 km/h in less than 16 seconds
- Range - 300 km
- Charge time - The battery has a nominal recharge time of 7 hour
Future
A pilot fleet of Joules will be on road in South Africa from 2010, and will be sold in South Africa as well as Europe from 2013.
See also
References
- Cartoday.com (Sep 2008) "Joule powers SA to Paris show"
- Engineering News (Oct 2008) "Africa's first all-electric vehicle unveiled at Paris Motor Show"
- Wired (Oct 2008) "South African Electric Car the Crown Joule of Paris Auto Show"
External links
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