Batteries not included

Secondly, there is the performance factor. Meiring did mention in the interview that the biggest negative perceptions about electric cars have always been related to range, speed and style, with such cars generally being considered “small and unattractive”. But no more, says Meiring, before listing the Joule's performance specs.

Apparently, with today's battery technology, the Joule has a range of 300km and a top speed of 135km/h. I'm sorry, but this is hardly impressive, even compared to an average delivery van.

And this is a very simplistic comparison of range and top speed. The world's leading car manufacturers spend millions in R&D to bring you performance-enhancing gizmos like active suspension, traction control, stability control, etc. Somehow, I can't see any of these being available on the Joule. It is also doubtful whether it would come with climate control, power steering, cruise control or CD shuttle. Again, it's like putting Roseanne Barr next to Angelina Jolie and claiming there is little to choose from in terms of ride quality.

Oh, but wait, the electric car is silent – that's a plus, isn't it? Well, unless you live on top of a freeway, this is not something that most people really care or think about. In fact, any discerning petrol-head not only wants to feel the grunt, but also hear it.

Too expensive

Thirdly, now that we've established that the electric car is ugly and has no grunt, the hook must be the price, right? Eh, no... actually, not.

According to Meiring, in 2009 terms, the Joule would cost R240 000 – for the base model! I'm sorry, but that's simply outrageous.

Now, in 2009 terms, R240 000 can get you a BMW 116i three-door, a Peugeot 207 GTi 1.6, a Mazda 3 2.0 Dynamic, a Dodge Caliber 2.4 SXT or a Renault Clio 3 Sport 2.0, to name but a few. Below R240 000, the South African consumer is truly spoilt for choice, with an array of small and medium sedans and hatchbacks that are not necessarily base models.

But hang on, that's not the end of it. After forking out a considerable sum of money on a car that is ugly and has no grunt, batteries still have to be