Joule EV: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

GENEVA — Joule, the South Africa-built electric vehicle from Optimal Energy, is on display at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in a form its makers describe as "tantalizingly close to the planned production version."

The plug-in, zero-emission vehicle was first unveiled at the 2008 Paris Auto Show but missed its initial market launch deadline of 2010, with the date now set as early 2013.

South African motorists can expect to spot Joules on their local roads in time for the Soccer World Cup in June, as a fleet of around 100 units will gather technical feedback on the car and also gauge public response. These prototypes, like the showcar, will be hand-built by Hi Tech Automotive in the coastal city of East London.

Volume production for the five-seater car at an as-yet-unspecified South African site will start at the end of 2012, with cars destined for the local and international showrooms by mid-2013.

Key design goals include a range of 185 miles, genuine freeway cruising capability, seating for five, a five-Star NCAP safety rating and a price starting at the equivalent of about $33,120.

Conceived by Optimal Energy of Cape Town and originally designed by former Jaguar designer Keith Helfet, Joule has been refined by Zagato's Total Design Centre and forms the centerpiece of a stand at Geneva shared by Optimal Energy and the iconic Milanese design house.

Joule will boast a list of features that will make it user-friendly, including clever packaging, an infotainment system, connectivity and navigation.

The Joule is powered by a 36-kw lithium-ion battery. A photovoltaic solar panel mounted on the Joule's roof will be offered as an option. The energy generated by this panel may be used in various ways, internal environmental control being the most efficient. Electricity generated in this manner could also be fed back into the battery or used to power ancillaries such as daytime running lamps or entertainment systems.

The ABS-assisted all-disc braking system will be equipped with a regenerative braking system which, during deceleration, recharges the battery.

Propulsion is by means of a transversely mounted electric motor providing a peak 100 horsepower and a peak torque of 207 pound-feet, driving the front wheels. It's claimed to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under 15 seconds, with an 84-mph top speed.

The Joule has a luggage volume capacity of up to 24.7 cubic feet, with seating flexibility similar to an MPV.

Optimal Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EDAG, a German automotive full service supplier, to industrialize the Joule.

Inside Line says: EDAG has built an outstanding reputation working with many well-known carmakers over the past 40 years, and in partnering with EDAG, Optimal Energy is ensuring that German automotive engineering will be integrated into the series production Joule. — Denis Droppa, Correspondent