The new DS E-Tense Performance has been presented in society. A concept model of 100% electric mechanics and technology derived from Formula E that lays the foundations for a future design language of DS Automobiles. The French premium brand has started an ambitious electrification process.
DS Automobiles has launched an ambitious electrification process. The short-term goal is none other than to become a 100% electric brand. From the year 2024 all the new models presented by the French premium brand will have a battery-electric propulsion system. The established roadmap includes numerous launches to enrich the product offer.
Under the premise of being able to look at the most immediate future of the DS brand, the new DS E-Tense Performance, a conceptual model that allows us to glimpse some of the keys of these new generation electric cars that will see the light. Especially in terms of design. A project that is based on the experience of DS Performance in the world of competition. And more specifically the technology of Formula E.
DS E-Tense Performance teases future design language
The official images of the new DS E-Tense Performance offer the possibility of quickly discovering what are the most characteristic features of this electric concept model. And we must pay close attention to the exterior design since lays the groundwork for future DS design language. That is to say, it advances some keys of the next electric cars of the French company.
Instead of a traditional grille, the front end features what the brand defines as “an area of expression.” The DS badge draws the eye and is flanked by characteristic sharp headlamps. The led technology it is present as one would expect. What’s more, the headlights are made up of 800 LEDs. If we go to the side we will find 21-inch wheels and a worked roof line as well as some wheel arches that improve aerodynamics.
Finishing our tour of the exterior at the rear, in addition to an aggressive diffuser, the taillights draw a striking line and fade inwards, which in turn enhances the feeling of width. A very widespread resource today.
In regards to DS E-Tense Performance interior, although the company has not published images of the cabin, it has highlighted that the cabin has been designed for the collection of information. It is equipped with individual seats and the Formula E steering wheel. Black leather is a main material and, as if that were not enough, it is equipped with a Focal Utopia audio system.
DS E-Tense Performance, an electric car with more than 800 hp
Leaving the design of the new DS E-Tense Performance aside, it’s time to talk about the fully electric powertrain it makes use of. And it is that, as we have previously pointed out, there is technology derived directly from Formula E, one of the most interesting automobile categories of the moment. A tough electric single-seater competition in which DS Automobiles is present.
At the heart of the new DS E-Tense Performance are two electric motors. One at the front axle with 250 kW (340 hp) and one at the rear with 350 kW (475 hp) respectively. Total combined power reaches 600 kW (815 hp) and 8,000 Nm of maximum torque. Taken from DS Performance developments for Formula E, these electric motors offer, depending on the brand, exceptional performance.
The system maintains disc brakes and pads for safety, using only the regeneration system for braking. As for the “heart” of this vehicle, the battery, although we do not know its capacity, DS has given some very interesting details. It sits in a central rear position and the battery is wrapped in a carbon-aluminum composite material. The battery position is key to weight distribution.
The battery is also inspired by single-seater racing cars and has been developed together with TotalEnergies and its subsidiary Saft. It employs innovative chemistry and an immersive cooling system for the cells. Thanks to this configuration, the battery allows accelerations and regenerations of up to 600 kW, which opens the way for future generations of production vehicles.