2013 Optimal Energy Joule

The Optimal Energy Joule was submitted in final form at the Geneva Motor Show. This is a South African electric car, designed by former Jaguar Keith Helfet and the prototype shown at Geneva has the cooperation of Zagato. The Joule had already been presented as a concept at the Paris show in 2008 and is now at its final appearance, although unfortunately not on the market until 2013, with a price less than € 25,000.

In the coming months will indeed be made by Hi-Tech Automotive 100 pieces of pre-production to conduct extensive testing on the road and there is also an appearance at the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, in some promotional events. The South African government will launch a series of incentives and grant funding for research on vehicles with low environmental impact, Optimal Energy has also signed memorandum of understanding with EDAG for the industrialization of the project and the South Korean EIG for lithium batteries .

The electric motor delivers 101 hp and 280 Joules of torque and provides a range of between 230 and 300 km thanks to 36 kWh lithium-ion batteries, which are mounted underneath the car and can be replaced in minutes, with a similar concept that of the project Better Place. The maximum speed is 135 km / h. The 100 km / h are reached from standstill in 15 seconds, but after 5 seconds you touch 60 km / h, good value for the cue in city traffic.