Electric cars: discover the DS range of cars

What is an electric car?

An electric car is driven by an electric motor, usually powered by a rechargeable battery, unlike a car with a combustion engine that runs on traditional fuel. Its unique feature is that it doesn’t produce exhaust gases and can be powered by renewable energy sources. This makes it a non-polluting vehicle and also much quieter than a conventional petrol car.

How does an electric car work?

An electric car operates using a lithium-ion battery which, once charged, stores the energy needed to power the electric motor. The power controller manages the distribution of this energy based on the driver's needs.

Through our commitment to Formula E, we have developed several innovations, including regenerative braking. Similar to engine braking, it converts kinetic energy into electricity during deceleration phases, thereby charging the battery of your electric car. With regenerative braking, you can increase the range of your 100% electric car by up to 20% around town. This function can be activated simply by pushing your gear lever.

Reduced CO₂ emissions for zero-emission driving (when in use), free from city traffic restrictions and contributing to environmental protection.

Immediate acceleration is achieved thanks to the electric motor, which instantly and powerfully delivers high maximum torque.

A smoother ride thanks to more linear acceleration, improved stability and a complete lack of vibration.

Maximised space due to a more compact design and an electric motor that offers a spacious and comfortable driving experience.

Total silence is achieved through innovative technologies and materials that provide exceptional sound insulation, creating a soothing and serene environment.

Long-term cost effectiveness is enhanced by reduced maintenance and fuel costs, along with government subsidies that lower the price of electric cars.

Thermal preconditioning to maximise battery range. You can adjust this feature directly from your car's touchscreen or remotely using the MyDS app. This ensures your car is at the perfect temperature when you get into it and preheating the battery also ensures optimum operation.

Rediscover the pleasure of smooth and powerful driving at the wheel of our 100% electric DS vehicles.

N°8

N°8 is a perfect balance of beauty and performance, offering luxury to all frequent travellers. Its interior cocoon, acoustics and technologies, reflecting the excellence of French craftsmanship, transform your journeys into a dreamlike experience. With a range of up to 466 miles in the combined cycle and over 310 miles on the motorway, this large, new-generation SUV coupé offers unrivalled performance and absolute driving pleasure. On board, its rapid recharging enables it to go from 20% to 80% in just 28 minutes. Every journey is transformed into a magical experience, powered by cutting-edge technology.

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DS 3 E-TENSE

Modern, responsive and compact, DS 3 is a small electric SUV that stands out through its instant acceleration and range that enables it to travel up to 248 miles in soothing silence on the WLTP cycle. Designed with innovative materials, it charges 80% of its battery in just 30 minutes. Behind its sculpted and refined silhouette, DS 3 also has plenty of in-car driver assistance technology. Its new-generation E-TENSE drivetrain incorporates advanced technology inspired by DS Automobiles' victories in Formula E, which gives it the most efficient kind of dynamism.

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DS 3 E-TENSE

With up to 251 miles (WLTP¹ Combined Cycle) of range, DS 3 E-TENSE opens the way for the new generation of electric car. Our compact SUV perfectly embodies French technology and sophistication, all while providing you with exceptional comfort.

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How do you charge an electric car?

To get the most out of your electric experience, it is advisable to charge your electric car daily.

With Free2move eSolutions, DS Automobiles helps you find public charging points wherever you are. With Octopus, DS Automobiles assists you in choosing and installing a private charging point at home or your workplace.

Private home charging point: there are 3 types of home electric car charging point, each offering assorted charging times depending on their power and the capacity of your battery.

Home charging socket: electric cars can be charged at a conventional plug socket (220-240 volts) using the production standard Mode 2 cable, also available as an accessory depending on the electric car model. This troubleshooting solution allows you to reach 62 mi of charge in less than 10 hours for DS 3 E-TENSE.

DS Wallbox: Controllable via Wifi and 4G with an app, this professionally installed charging point delivers increased electric charging power that gets to 100% in 5hr 15 with a three-phase Mode 3 cable(i) With a 11kW on-board charger . It is also compatible with the next generation of charging point-to-vehicle communication.

DS upgraded charging plug: its secure casing allows more power to be delivered considerably improving the charging speed of your electric car. Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use, it also adds 31 miles from 2hr 30 of charging with an upgraded Mode 2 cable.

Private workplace charging point

Installed in car parks or company garages, the private charging point also allows employees to charge their electric car quickly and safely during their working hours.

Public charging point

With Free2move eSolutions Charging, you can easily find the charging point closest to you. Whether that's in the city or on a long journey, this connected app allows you to access a network of over 700,000+ public charge points across the UK and Europe, all compatible with your DS electric car.

DS Automobiles offers you a range of Connected Services, some of which have been developed for 100% electric vehicles to help you enjoy every moment at the wheel: the Connect One Pack for a period of 10 years and, if you subscribe, the Connect Plus Pack, for a period of 3 years from the manufacturer's warranty date.

SEND2NAV

With the MyDS app, you can easily choose your next destination and send it to your DS infotainment system through the Send2Nav function.

EV ROUTING FOR MAKING THE MOST OF JOURNEYS

Plan your journeys as precisely as possible using the in-car EV Routing solution. You'll get a route that includes stops and the time needed to charge your car, as well as details of each charging point, all while taking your DS' range and traffic data into account. EV Routing adapts when conditions change (detours, traffic etc...), so you enjoy the best possible journeys.

E-REMOTE ACCESS

From your MyDS app, stay up to date with your E-TENSE car’s status: check your battery’s range and its state of charge, schedule your car’s charging or temperature preconditioning, at a specific time, on the day(s) you want.

CHARGING ON THE GO WITH OCTOPUS GO

In partnership with Octopus Electroverse, Free2move Charge offers free one-tap access to over 700,000+ public charge points across the UK and Europe. All accessible by one card and app - it's one of the largest EV charging networks in the world, not to mention one of the simplest!

E-ROUTES BY FREE2MOVE CHARGE

With e-ROUTES, you'll never run out of charge. e-ROUTES chooses you the most efficient and fastest route. Plan your journey via the e-ROUTES app on your smartphone or view your route and its duration via the mirroring function on the car's central screen, taking into account charging stops and your actual consumption.

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MyDS app

Take full advantage of the benefits of electric motoring.

MyDS connects you to your electric car and its surroundings. Tailored to enhance and personalise your driving experience, the MyDS mobile app offers advanced features for efficiently managing your car's charging via your smartphone and planning your journeys with ease.

With the EV Trip Planner feature, prepare your journeys from your smartphone using the MyDS app. Simply estimate the range you need at the end of your journey, view your stops at charging points, and see your journey time calculated according to your requirements. Save time by sending your route to the first stop directly to your DS infotainment system.

The MyDS app is compatible with all DS electric cars. It can be downloaded from the App Store for Apple® smartphones and from the Google Play Store for Android smartphones.

Start a charge with MyDS

Add your vehicle using your electric car's serial number (VIN) located on a plate near the windscreen or on the driver's door.

Make sure your car is properly plugged into an electric car charging point, then select the battery icon to view its charging status and other information about it.

Tap “start charging” to commence.

Now track the progress of your charge in real time on MyDS.

Schedule a charge with MyDS

The MyDS app makes it easier to control your electric vehicle charging by allowing you to schedule it and track its progress in real time from your smartphone. All you have to do is select “programme charging” or “schedule charging” in the “charging” or “energy” section and choose the start and end time of your deferred charging according to your requirements and off-peak hours. To interrupt it at any point, you can select the “stop charging” option.

Plug in and relax with Free2move Charge home

In partnership with Octopus Energy and their expert installers, Free2move Charge offers the latest home chargers. Ask your retailer for details and they will arrange for Octopus to contact you.

Charging at home is the cheapest and easiest way to top up your vehicle's battery. An Ohme charger, installed by Octopus, allows you to access Intelligent Octopus Go. With the handy F2M Charge app you can manage the charging of your car, such as being able to see how much charge is in your car from wherever you may be.

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See frequently asked questions

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF AN ELECTRIC CAR?

Electric cars are powered by electric motors and rechargeable batteries. They have several advantages such as zero emissions, improved energy efficiency, quiet operation, instant torque, and low running costs.

DO ELECTRIC CARS HAVE GEARS?

Electric cars do not have a traditional gearbox like combustion engine cars. They typically have only one “gear”, meaning there is no need to manually or automatically switch between gears. Their electric motor provides instant torque across a wide range of speeds, enabling quick acceleration and smooth driving without gear changes.

WHAT TECHNOLOGIES ARE USED IN ELECTRIC CARS?

Electric cars use several technologies including quiet and clean electric motors, on-board chargers, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, voltage converters to power electrical accessories, battery management systems (BMS), automatic cruise control (ACC) as well as an advanced infotainment and connectivity system to manage their charge remotely. All this technology allows electric cars to operate efficiently without needing conventional fuel.

HOW MANY TYPES OF ELECTRIC CAR ARE THERE?

There are three main types of electric car depending on how they use electric energy and traditional fuel:

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered by a 100% electric battery and do not have a combustion engine; hybrid vehicles (HEVs) combine a combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a battery; plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) also link a combustion engine to an electric motor but have a larger capacity battery to travel a greater distance in electric mode.

ARE THERE ANY LIMITS TO THE ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING NETWORK?

The electric car charging network requires some improvements. For example, initiatives are underway to increase the often insufficient geographical coverage of charging points in rural areas, reduce charging and waiting times and standardise connectors. These efforts aim to make electric cars a more obvious choice for many drivers.