In the UK, Peugeot iOn directly to consumers

The cars' batteries can be fully charged in six hours with the option to charge it up to 80% in hour if there is a time crunch with its rapid recharge system. This characteristic enables Peugeot iOn, which is a zero CO2 emission car to be as comfortable and likable as any other petrol driven car. The car incorporates emergency call service feature, for which Peugeot is a leader in Europe.

In direct competition with the Joule is Peugeot's new electric car, the iOn. The iOn has a slight jump on the Joule because it will be available this year, but even though Peugeot has 15 years experience in producing electric cars, the Joule appears to have a slight performance edge.

Peugeot has been manufacturing electric vehicles since 1995 and has sold over 100 of its electric models. It was the first manufacturer to sell electric cars worldwide. But, iOn's range is only 130km and Joule is capable of twice that. UK reviewers have said it's a barely disguised version of Mitsubishi's i-MiEV, which is perhaps understandable when you consider that it was developed in cooperation with Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC). However, the iOn is also a zero-emissions car and has a recharge time of six hours; furthermore, it can be charged to 80 per cent capacity within just half an hour.

In the UK, Peugeot opted not to sell iOn directly to consumers but offered an "all-inclusive" mobility package (£415 ex VAT per month) that allowed consumers to benefit from a special government subsidy. As there is no such subsidy in place in South Africa, pricing has yet to be determined.

The only obvious advantage that the iOn has over SA's Joule is its soon-to-be availability. The fact that this is the only obvious advantage is testament to Optimal Energy's dedication to creating a top-notch product. From a purely South African perspective, another two years is a relatively short time to wait for what is surely going to be the biggest new vehicle launch the country has ever seen. Your "green" conscious, on the other hand, may think differently.