Optimal Energy was founded by visionary engineer Kobus Meiring, who, long before Tesla, began building a commercially viable electric passenger car.
In this podcast, veteran and respected motoring engineer and motoring journalist Nicol Louw joins Ciro De Siena to chat about his long-term involvement in the Joule electric vehicle project, in the role of Systems integration engineer.
In this truly fascinating and often emotional chat, Nicol takes us through how the project started, how it developed, and just how close they were to hitting the market, before the Tesla Model S or Nissan Leaf were launched.
It’s a story about the incredible prowess of South African engineering, and the resilient spirit of South Africans who took on the world and came achingly close to starting the EV revolution.
0:00 – Intro
2:10 – Optimal Energy
5:10 – Design
8:10 – The team
9:30 – The prototypes
10:20 – Specs
12:40 – Building the car
16:20 – Battery
18:30 – Range
21:20 – Preparing the car for production
32:00 – The Joule’s competition
33:30 – The demise of the Joule
38:40 – Battery development
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24 Comments
Somebody please explain this to me: What is so difficult about making a car that looks good in terms of design?
Why are some cars look like the manufacturers didn't know how ugly they will look until the final product has been already mass-produced??
These dem's are NUTS ☢️☣️🚫🤪😵🤢
And our idiot government put money into nossan's leaf…i was so annoyed.
Lets see what the simulation has in store for Africa, South Africa, as far as global innovation is concerned. For now we'll claim Elon.
Great story. I've always wondered what happened to this car. Thanks for letting us know what happened to one South African dream. It was ahead of most other manufacturers.
In the end two factors stood out – government involvement and electricity in SA (or lack thereof).
Looking forward to the follow up.
Great story and a proud one even though it didn't make it to production… Come on South Africa… Local is Lekker.. now just for a few Billion to revive it.. anyone know Elon personally?😅
respect.
Really hope there's a take 2 of this. The technology has improved, many of the parts don't need to be built custom anymore – plenty of suppliers available. I'd really like a SA-bourne little EV that makes sense in SA. Maybe it can have some solar panels on the roof, it can charge from home solar installations that many people are getting. Maybe it can even be a part of a solar installation at home; you drive your car for the commute, charge it at home off solar or grid when available – then when loadshedding hits your car's runs your house a bit. All these concepts have been included in various vehicles abroad but it'd be great if some of our bright engineers can make it work here.
Fascinating story, totally forgot about the "Joule"… now wouldn't that be a great ad, getting the old cars, updating and using them today?
Wish we could mention the South African government to see this and consider funding to revive this car manufacturing company
What a great and informative video. Guys, let's also focus on the South African automotive market more. We still manufacture vehicles and very good ones. Please can we have more videos on the South African automotive manufacturers?
Another legendary episode.🙌🏿 This is a beautiful story of South Africa. Thank you Ciro, Nicol and the team.
Wouldn't this be a great time to pick this up again?
How I wish someone with money and willing investors can revive this brand😭😭
Never rely on the South African government for any sort of funding! Especially if there are no short-term financial gains for them short-sighted ones, who rule the roost!
A very important thing to remember: "you cannot put a fuel tax on an electric car". We should all know by now that the fuel levies are a massive contributor to our government coffers. Therefor, there is no desire on the side of the South African Government to assist with anything that would detract from such lucrative revenue generators…
I was lucky enough to work on the Geneva show car – our company built the prototype HVAC system. It was an awesome project to be part of. The bodywork made from fiberglass by HiTech Automotive was a piece of art.
Back when we were growing at 4% per year. Never ever gonna happen again.
Can't wait to knock off so I can watch this properly
Enjoyed listening Nicol and Ciro! 🎉 Proudly South African 🇿🇦
I followed the Joule story closely back in the day. Way ahead of other EV's at the time. It was very sad when they had to stop the development
I just want to know why my comments keep on disappearing. Do you have something against me
The styling was the only part I didn't really like. But I wish it had gone further.
Awesome Podcast. Thank you ! James Hall Transport Museum in Jhb has 2 of the Joules. A 5 seater and a 6 seater. Saw them there a few years ago and looking at the Google Maps pics they are still there…
You did not mention Ford Amarok or VW Ranger once…