DS E-Tense Performance: the future of electric driving!

Thomas Wachsmuth 7. February 2022 -> Cars from AZ, DS Automobiles, News vehicles, Videos

Reading time 5 Min.

DS Automobiles unveils a particularly avant-garde creation: the prototype DS E-Tense Performance. The high-performance test vehicle was designed to accelerate the development of future electric DS models. DS' own racing department, DS Performance, developed and built the one-off after the E-Tense technology had won multiple titles in Formula E. The new prototype is based on a carbon shell, two electric motors with a total of 600 kW (815 hp) and all-wheel drive. The chassis, drive unit and battery represent innovative solutions to advance the development of future all-electric E-Tense production models. the DS E-Tense Performance also gives a glimpse of the future design language of DS Automobiles, especially with its front end.

DS E-Tense Performance

Since it was founded in 2015, DS Automobiles has placed electrification at the heart of its strategy and has been offering a 2019% electrified product range since 100. DS Automobiles was also the first premium manufacturer in Formula E and has since used the knowledge gained from the 100% electric racing series to advance research and development in the field of more sustainable mobility. In 2021, DS Automobiles was the brand with the second highest share of electrified models sold in Germany (source: KBA). With approx. 45% of registrations being electrified, almost every second DS model is electric – and the trend is rising sharply. From 2024 every new DS model launched will be 100% electric. In 2025, all pure combustion engines will be removed from the engine portfolio.

To be a leader in the electrification market, DS Automobiles relies on the know-how of DS Performance, its own racing division. With the development of the prototype DS E-Tense Performance various innovations can be tested and an outlook given on the next design generations of the brand.

"Our goal is to incorporate the experience gained in Formula E and the know-how from our international titles into a project that shows the high-performance electric car of tomorrow. It is a research project in which we analyze the behavior of the components and develop them with a view to future production. It is also about finding solutions to reduce costs, make manufacturing easier and explore implementation in the production models. The next generations of E-Tense models will benefit from these developments.” Thomas Chevaucher, Director of DS Performance

The DS E-Tense Performance features a carbon shell with a powertrain derived from a Formula E single-seater. The suspension geometry is able to guarantee the best possible grip on the road, like on the often bumpy urban circuits, and in all weather conditions.

From 0 to 100 km/h in 2 seconds!

The drive consists of two electric motors with a total output of 600 kW (250 kW at the front and 350 kW at the rear), which corresponds to 815 hp and a torque of 8.000 Nm. These two electric motors, which come directly from DS Performance's developments for Formula E, are characterized by exceptional performance and accelerate the prototype from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2 seconds. With an unprecedented recuperation power of 600 kW, the drive train of the DS E-Tense Performance the focus on the best possible use of energy. Although the prototype has a braking system with discs and brake pads, this is only for safety. Only the regeneration system is used for braking.

The battery is an essential part of the very powerful test vehicle. It is compactly housed in a carbon fiber aluminum composite shell designed by DS Performance and is located centrally in the rear. The battery of DS E-Tense Performance was developed in collaboration with TotalEnergies and its subsidiary Saft and is inspired by e-racing. The result of many years of research by the partner, it features an innovative chemical composition and an immersive cooling system for the cells that stands out from current technology, thanks to a bespoke design and the Quartz EV Fluid solution. This battery allows acceleration and regeneration phases of up to 600 kW and makes it possible to break new ground for future generations of DS series vehicles.

Future design language of DS Automobiles

The DS E-Tense Performance also served as a prototype for the DS Design Studio Paris in terms of optics. The front shows a new expression surface instead of the grille. This processing method has already been used in the concept vehicle DS Aero Sports Lounge from 2020 and combines the logo of DS Automobiles with a three-dimensional effect - a kind of shop window with a special greeting sequence. Slimmer than ever, the new daytime running lights combine technology and design and offer a particularly wide light spectrum. The lights consist of a total of 800 LEDs. Two cameras positioned in place of the headlights complete the visual identity of the DS E-Tense Performance while allowing useful data to be collected by this prototype.

Matching the aerodynamic line, the body has an interference color with color change. Depending on the external conditions and viewing angle, the perception of the color changes and forms a striking contrast to the glossy black surfaces that extend to the bonnet. The 21-inch wheels feature an aerodynamic profile with unique inserts. The cockpit is perfectly designed for collecting data. Bucket seats and a Formula E steering wheel create a working atmosphere dedicated to high-performance sport. The comfort and attention to detail are also underlined by the special inserts in black leather. Befitting owns the DS E-Tense Performance a FOCAL Utopia sound system and exclusive Scala Utopia Evo speakers in the color of the prototype.

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