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The JOULE : South African Electric Car by Cape Town-based Optimal Energy

The hype these days when it comes to transportation is about the new South African Electric Car that impressed everyone during the Paris Motor Show. Dubbed The Joule, the six-passengers car is incredible. It goes 250 miles with one charge, does 0 to 60 in like 4.8seconds and is estimated to cost some from $22,000 to $28,000 when released somewhere in 2010.

South Africa’s domestic car market won something, when Keith Helfet joined the staff at Optimal Energy after designing Jaguar’s F-type concept and the XK220. His experience speaks for itself, and the fact that he’ll use it on the local market is a big advantage.

Back to the Joule, it’s going to be built in South Africa mostly from domestic pieces and will include two potential drivetrains. First one and the most likely to be used, is an electric motor turning the front wheels, while the second option includes individual electric motors turning the rear or all four wheels. For these, it will pack one or two lithium-ion batteries that should keep it running for either 125 or 250 miles.

With a “simple, elegant lines and [a] self assured stance”, with regenerative brakes and “all modern safety features such as side impact protection, ABS and airbags”, I’m pretty sure the Joule will be a hit when released on the market. – via Wired (images copyright : Optimal Energy)