DS E-Tense Performance: New electric car with Formula E technology and 850 hp

The Stellantis subsidiary DS Automobiles is showing an exciting car in the form of the DS E-Tense Performance electric car prototype, which also provides a preview of the automaker’s new design language. The focus is on a carbon shell, technology from Formula E and an 850-hp engine.

DS E-Tense Performance revealed

With the DS E-Tense Performance concept car, automaker DS Automobiles is showing off an exciting prototype designed to give wings to the manufacturer’s electric cars. Yet the direction of travel for the Stellaris subsidiary is already clearly defined. From 2024, all new DS models are to be fully electric. From 2025, no more vehicles with combustion engines are to be offered.

A first glimpse of the future is provided by the newly published study in the form of the DS E-Tense Performance, in which the carmaker has incorporated the experience gained from the Formula E motorsport discipline. The presentation from Stellantis states:

“The high-performance test vehicle was designed to accelerate the development of future electric DS models. DS’ own racing division, DS Performance, designed and built the one-off after its E-Tense technology won multiple titles in Formula E.”

The new prototype relies on a particularly lightweight carbon shell, two electric motors with a total output of 600 kW (815 hp) and all-wheel drive. The DS E-Tense Performance also provides a glimpse of DS Automobiles’ future design language, particularly with its front end.

From 0 to 100 km/h in 2 seconds

The DS E-Tense Performance’s powertrain is composed of two electric motors with a total output of 600 kW (250 kW at the front and 350 kW at the rear), corresponding to 815 hp and 8,000 Nm of torque.

These two electric motors, which come directly from DS Performance’s developments for Formula E, allow the prototype to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2 seconds. The recuperation power for energy recovery of 600 kW is also impressive.

Although the prototype has a braking system with discs and brake pads, this is only used for safety. Only the regeneration system is used for braking.

This is said to be made possible primarily by an innovative and novel battery: “It is the result of many years of research by the partner and has an innovative chemical composition and an immersive cooling system for the cells that is different from current technology,” the manufacturer’s announcement says.

Fresh and sporty design

However, the DS E-Tense Performance also serves as a prototype for the automaker’s new design language. Visually, the first thing that catches the eye is a new type of expression area instead of a classic radiator grille.

It was first used on the 2020 DS Aero Sport Lounge concept car and features the DS Automobiles logo with a three-dimensional effect. At the front, the prototype relies on daytime running lights with a particularly broad light spectrum, each consisting of 800 LEDs.

Two cameras positioned in place of the headlights also enable “useful data”to be captured simultaneously. The “cockpit is also perfectly designed for collecting data” – keyword car data.

In addition, the DS E-Tense Performance relies on an interference color with color change. Depending on external conditions and viewing angle, the perception of the color changes, creating a striking contrast to the glossy black surfaces that extend to the hood.

Sporty look – without rear window

Overall, the design study looks very study sporty and elegant. According to the pictures, the two-door electric car relies on large air intakes and outlets on the sides and narrow windows. The rear also shows inspiration from modern sports cars and relies on a bulky diffuser, huge LED lights and – apparently – no real rear window.

Of course, the concept study of the DS E-Tense Performance does not provide details on range. Whether the electric car will ever make it into mass production in this form is also questionable. But the sports car certainly looks good.