About Kobus Meiring…
Kobus graduated at the University of Stellenbosch as a mechanical engineer, before joining Denel Aviation in 1988 where he began his research and development work in aerodynamics and composites. In 1990, Kobus joined the Rooivalk helicopter and ACE turbo-prop programmes, where he eventually managed the on-board systems development for both of these projects. In 1996, Kobus became manager of the Rooivalk Development Department and he was appointed Rooivalk Programme Manager in 1997. He managed the programme until the first production aircraft was handed over to the South African Air Force in 1999.
Kobus was then appointed as Project Manager of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) project and moved to Cape Town. SALT is the biggest optical astronomical telescope in the Southern hemisphere, and was completed on budget and on time in November 2005.
Kobus co-founded Optimal Energy 2005, with the vision to establish and lead the electric vehicle industry in South Africa and to expand globally.
Kobus co-founded Optimal Energy 2005, with the vision to establish and lead the electric vehicle industry in South Africa and to expand globally.
Joule is Africa’s first battery electric engineering masterpiece from Optimal Energy. The silent passenger vehicle is manufactured as a standard five-seater which complies with UN-ECE safety standards offering an optimal, no-compromise, zero emission urban driving experience.
Joule is as beautiful and elegant as it is stylish with a classically timeless appeal set to transform the face of the urban transportation landscape. Developed from the outset as an electric vehicle, Joule delivers optimal design, maximum interior space and a minimal exterior and environmental footprint.
- Nominal 300km Range
- Regenerative ABS Braking system
- Steel space frame and side impact protection
- Excellent vehicle handling and dynamics
- Sports-like acceleration from standstill
- Optimal interior space with minimal exterior footprint
