The latest news about Optimal Energy, Joule - The electric car

The Joule electric car project would receive its last payment from the Department of Science and Technology next month, following a substantial budget cut, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said yesterday

Electric vehicles are not new to South Africa. Carel Snyman, who headed up power utility Eskom’s electric vehicle programme for many years, says his team developed a prototype electric vehicle which was exhibited in France. The Kruger Park also made use of several electric vehicles, to name but a few examples

Xavier van Stappen’s rather unconventional model electrical car, which he designed and drove from Europe to Africa before the 2010 Fifa World Cup, is helping raise awareness about alternative forms of energy and environmentally harmful carbon emissions.

THE COUNTRY'S FIRST large-scale electric car, the Joule, created by local company Optimal Energy, will be seen on Cape Town's roads carrying the national flag in support of SA during the Soccer World Cup.

Although Fifa has assigned Hyundai-Kia Motors as the official automotive partner for the World Cup, meaning Optimal Energy cannot associate Joule with the event, Jaco van Loggerenberg, media and events manager, says it marks a significant opportunity.

A PRE-FEASIBILITY study to determine the viability of manufacturing large-cell lithium-ion batteries in South Africa will start in the second half of the year, Engineering News reports.

And with South Africa’s first electric car, the Joule, expected to be manufactured either in the East London or Coega industrial development zone, it is logical that a battery plant will be located at the same site.

A pre-feasiblity study to determine the viability of manufacturing large-cell lithium-ion batteries in South Africa will start in the second half of 2010.

And with South Africa's first electric car, the Joule, expected to be manufactured either in the East London or Coega industrial development zone, it is logical that a battery plant will be located at the same site.