Optimal Energy to Introduce Joule EV This Year, Production by 2013

In brief: South Africa-based Optimal Energy unveiled the Joule battery-electric multi-purpose urban passenger vehicle in 2008 and has announced pilot fleets will be on the road this year with mass production beginning in 2013.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: Joule EV
Manufacturer: Optimal Energy

The word

The Joule EV appeared at the Paris Motor Show in 2008 to varied response. Meant for the limited South African market, the car is an all-electric urban commuter, seating up to six. A recent funding round into the company spurred this new announcement.

The test vehicles recently completed crash, efficiency, and on-road tests and the Joule EV is now ready for limited production.

The Joule will begin as pilot fleets in South Africa this year and expand into Europe soon after with full production (at 80% export) beginning by 2013.

And so ...

More details on the Joule EV can be had at this FutureCars feature link.

Photo credits: Optimal Energy