Cape Town-based Optimal Energy has launched Africa’s first all-electric, zero-emission vehicle, dubbed Joule, to be presented in the Paris Motor Show.
Optimal opted to locate the Joule production facility in South Africa based on reputation and cost efficiency. The Gauteng province is being evaluated for the car’s first assembly plant. However, looming energy shortages throughout the country could pose a damper on the vehicle. Company CEO Kobus Meiring insisted that while there are energy constraints affecting the SA grid, there is enough electricity to support and facilitate the development of an electric motor manufacturing industry. He said this was confirmed by studies conducted by state-owned utility Eskom.
Joule will be equipped with two large-cell lithium ion battery packs, and will take approximately seven hours to recharge using a normal 220-V home outlet and Joule’s on board charger.
“Joule’s value proposition is made more compelling when environmental influences such as increasing pollution and global warming phenomena caused by the rapid increase in urbanization are also considered,” says Meiring.
The car is set to start production by the end of 2010.