Frequently Asked Questions about electric cars - Optimal Energy
What is the difference between an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle?
An EV, or Electric Vehicle, is an electric drive system only and energy is provided by batteries. A hybrid vehicle has both a fuel (usually petrol) burning engine and an electric motor with a small battery that gets charged by the engine. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is similar to a hybrid with the exception of a bigger battery which can also be recharged by plugging into the electric grid.
What is Joule’s top speed?
Joule will be completely highway capable with a top speed limited to 135km/h.
What kind of motor and gearbox does Joule have?
Joule incorporates a powerful traction motor with a single speed gearbox for front-wheel drive. From a driving experience the vehicle is completely automatic.
How fast does Joule accelerate?
Joule has a very brisk city performance and accelerates from 0 to 60km/h in less than 5 seconds, and 0 to 100km/h in less than 16 seconds.
Who did Joule’s styling?
Joule’s interior and exterior were styled by Keith Helfet. South African born Keith Helfet had a long and illustrious career as chief stylist at Jaguar and was responsible for iconic designs including the XJ220, the XK and the F180 amongst others.
Can I test drive a Joule?
Joule is currently undergoing extensive testing. Customer test drives will be scheduled in the future. Please subscribe to our newsletter and watch the press for further details.
How far can Joule go between recharges?
Joule can achieve a nominal range of 300km on single charge based on the UDDS cycle of urban and highway driving. Studies have shown that 99% of urban users do less than 150km per day.
How long does it take to charge Joule?
Approximately 7 hours of charging time is required for a 300km range when using a normal 220Volt home outlet and the Joule’s onboard charger.
Does South Africa / Eskom have enough electricity to use in cars?
Yes. Eskom has enough capacity to supply electrical energy to millions of cars without affecting its current customer base. Between 23h00 at night and 06:00 in the morning, Eskom (and many utilities around the world) has vast excess energy generating capacity.
What type of batteries does Joule use?
Joule uses large cell lithium-ion batteries that employ chemistry similar to that found in cellular telephones and laptop computers.
Are the batteries that Joules uses recyclable?
Optimal Energy’s lithium-ion batteries are recyclable. Firstly, they can be used in stationary applications when their performance drops below automotive requirements. Secondly, the batteries can be dismantled and recycled.
Would there be enough lithium in the world if all cars were electric?
Initial studies show that there is enough lithium to run about 2,000 million electric cars. There are currently less than 1,000 million cars in the world in total today. Lithium is not expended like oil or gas and is also recyclable.
Can the batteries that Joule uses be made in South Africa?
Yes. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was at the cutting edge of lithium battery research in the nineties. Initial studies are currently underway to evaluate the feasibility of developing and producing batteries in South Africa.
How safe are lithium-ion batteries?
A significant research and development effort was focused on battery safety over the past decade and the chemistry in lithium-ion batteries is therefore inherently safe. Lithium is found in many medicinal applications today and the lithium-ion batteries used in Joule do not contain any unsafe heavy metals. The energy contained in the batteries may be harmful if released instantaneously. It is for this reason that Optimal Energy incorporated safety into the design of Joule from the outset. Optimal Energy has ensured that the batteries meet automotive safety standards.
Are the pollution and climate changing effects not just moved from the exhaust pipe to the power station with electric cars?
No. Electric cars such as Joule reduce the total pollution and green house gas (GHG) emissions considerably. Electric vehicles are about 5 times more energy efficient than petrol or diesel vehicles. This efficiency gain is even bigger when used in urban applications. Regardless of the energy source, only about 20% as much is required, meaning that only 20% of the GHG and pollution is caused. Moreover, electricity is a multi source energy carrier and clean sources, such as hydro or solar generated power, can lead to a 100% reduction in pollution.
Can solar or wind generated power be used to charge Joule?
Yes. Electricity generated by any means can be used to power Joule. In fact, Joule has an optional solar panel incorporated into its roof which provides energy for accessories such as the air-conditioner and electric windows or to provide a few bonus kilometers.
How safe is Joule in comparison to other cars?
Joule is designed to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) safety standards, and includes all modern safety features such as side impact protection, ABS and airbags. The goal is achieve a minimum 4 Star EURO NCAP rating.
What is Joule’s body made of?
Joule’s body is a combination of steel and high-tech automotive quality composite and plastic.
Is Joule recyclable?
Joule is about 75% recyclable. Development is an ongoing activity and Optimal Energy will ensure that Joule’s recyclability will continue to improve in line with international trends in the future.
Where will the Joule manufacturing plant be?
The Joule assembly plant will be located in South Africa. Optimal Energy is currently evaluating a shortlist of potential locations.
How much of Joule will be made in South Africa?
The design and development of Joule is done in South Africa. Optimal Energy is finalising its supplier list to maximise customer benefits such as cost as well as environmental efficiencies. Optimal Energy anticipates that at least 50% of Joule’s components will be locally produced.
What voltage does Joule use and how dangerous is that?
Joule’s drive system uses 400Volts. Joule’s design incorporates all the standard automotive and electrical safety standards. For example, the higher voltage cables are routed below the floor making it inherently safe.
Does Joule have air-conditioning, radio, electric windows, MP3 player etc?
Joule has all the modern conveniences expected from a vehicle in this class.
What drawbacks do electric cars have?
None really. Electric vehicles are usually criticised for being slower than their petrol or diesel counterparts. However, Joule is an urban vehicle and with a top speed of 135km per hour this criticism holds no ground. Furthermore, 99% of city users never travel more than 150km per day while Joule has the capacity to travel within a nominal 300km range.
What are the benefits of electric cars?
Electric vehicles have numerous benefits. Some of these benefits include:
• Zero emissions
• They produces 80% less pollution from green house gasses in comparison to petrol or diesel vehicles
• A reduction in noise pollution, electric vehicles are virtually silent
• No clutch or gear changes for smoother acceleration
• Comparatively low “fuel” costs i.e. approximately 10 to 20% of petrol or diesel costs, depending on where in the world you are
• Incentives are in place in many parts of the world to own and drive electric vehicles and the list of places is growing.
• Zero emissions
• They produces 80% less pollution from green house gasses in comparison to petrol or diesel vehicles
• A reduction in noise pollution, electric vehicles are virtually silent
• No clutch or gear changes for smoother acceleration
• Comparatively low “fuel” costs i.e. approximately 10 to 20% of petrol or diesel costs, depending on where in the world you are
• Incentives are in place in many parts of the world to own and drive electric vehicles and the list of places is growing.
Are there any incentives for driving an electric vehicle?
Yes. In many parts of the world such incentives are being put in place. California, France, London, Japan, Mexico City and Spain are just a few examples.
How is Joule different from other electric cars?
Traditionally, electric cars have been small, slow, unsightly and had a limited driving range. This forced end-users to compromise in a number of areas. Joule, on the other hand, is a competitively priced, no compromise, beautifully styled, 5 seat passenger vehicle with a nominal driving range of 300kms.
How much will Joule cost?
Joule will be available in limited quantities during 2010 and will be entering mass production by the end of 2012. In terms of the price it cannot be fixed now, however in current terms, Joule will be in the R 235 000 – R 275 000 price segment in South Africa and € 25 000 to € 29 000 in Europe.
How much will it cost to run Joule?
The electricity to run Joule will cost about 10 to 20% of the petrol or diesel to run a similar vehicle. This cost differential is expected to improve even further as the fuel price rises.
Does Joule come with batteries?
No. The purchase price of Joule excludes batteries. The batteries will be leased separately and this monthly lease cost will include the warranty and servicing of the batteries as well as the electricity cost. Optimal Energy retains ownership of the batteries to ensure that the batteries remain in optimal condition and that any battery actions do not concern the customer.
How long will the batteries last?
Optimal Energy expects the battery packs to last for 200,000km or 10 years i.e. for the useful life of the vehicle. However, international battery developments are ongoing, and battery performance is constantly improving.
How much does it cost to maintain Joule?
Joule contains substantially fewer parts than a petrol or diesel vehicle. Therefore, maintenance will cost less and servicing intervals will be greater. Maintenance of Joule is expected to be about half of the maintenance cost of petrol or diesel equivalent vehicles.
What about warranty, road side assistance, etc.?
Joule will come with a full three year warranty and 24/7 roadside assistance.
When will Joule be available?
Joule will be available in low volumes in early 2010 and will be in mass manufacture by the end of 2012.
Is Joule aimed at the South African or export market?
Optimal Energy has designed Joule for the global market but Joule will initially be marketed in South Africa.
Will a completely quiet car not be dangerous to pedestrians?
No. Cities with electric trams and big bicycle populations show that quiet vehicles do not pose a threat to pedestrians.
Why does Optimal Energy not rather use bio-fuels or hydrogen?
Optimal Energy believes that transportation will not be a single technology scenario and that bio-fuels and hydrogen will play a part in the next few decades. However, electricity and batteries given their respective efficiencies will dominate the immediate future of urban transport.
How was Optimal Energy funded?
The first major investor was the Innovation Fund, an instrument of the South African Department of Science & Technology. The Industrial Development Corporation has also invested in Optimal Energy.
Who owns Optimal Energy?
Optimal Energy is a private company. Equity is held by the founders, employees, Innovation Fund and Industrial Development Corporation.
Has something like this ever been done in South Africa before?
A commercially viable electric vehicle business has never been done in South Africa. South Africa does however have a well-established automotive manufacturing business.
Will my Apple iPod work with Joule?
Yes. Joule’s sound system supports the iPod functionality.
Will my Bluetooth mobile phone work with Joule?
Yes. Joule’s sound system supports the Bluetooth interface.
Whose idea was it to launch Joule?
Optimal Energy’s CEO Kobus Meiring conceived the idea in 2004 and the business grew from there.
Will electric vehicles have a different registration and licensing process?
Licensing and registration requirements of electric vehicles are the same as for petrol and diesel vehicles.
What will insurance cost?
Optimal Energy anticipates insurance for electric vehicles to cost the same or less than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle. These numbers will be confirmed in due course.
How big is Joule inside?
Joule is a 5 seater passenger vehicle with a 700 litre boot or trunk. It is 3.9m long and 1.8m wide, giving it a very specious interior and a very compact exterior.
Where can I see Joule?
Joule will be exhibited on a number of occasions. Please continue to visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter and watch the press for details.
Does Optimal Energy have any other products in the pipeline?
Additional models are also part of our long term development plans.