DS Automobiles, the first brand premium to engage in Formula E in 2015, has decided to extend its participation until 2026 *.
With the victory of the Drivers and Constructors titles in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, DS Automobiles has set numerous records in Formula E. The French brand will develop a new generation single-seater (Gen3) for the seasons that will be played from 2022 to 2026.
After shining with the two first generations of Formula E cars, DS Automobiles is the only constructor having won at least one E-Prix every season since the inception of the championship, the car maker is going to develop a new racer and renew its commitment to the 100 % electric formula. With Jean-Éric Vergne, António Félix da Costa and DS Techeetah, DS Automobiles has won all the Driver and Team titles in the last two seasons, signing the record of race wins and pole positions since the introduction of the “Gen2”.
To be fielded as from the 2022/2023, the new third generation singleseater, labeled “Gen3”, will be lighter. The car will also be more powerful, thanks to significant developments that will increase power by 40 %, up to 350 kW in qualifying and 300 kW in race configuration. Applied to both axles, the energy recovery system will reach a maximum of 600 kW, compared to the current 250 kW. In line with its philosophy, the Formula E will allow each car maker to develop its own power unit and related software.
Xavier Mestelan Pinon, DS Performance Director:
At DS Automobiles, there is a very close link between the developments in Formula E and electrification. We have learnt a lot developing the first generation of Formula E and success has been at the end of the road, as we conquered all titles since the introduction of the Gen2. With the new car, the Formula E will climb a further ladder in terms of performance and should also see the possibility of super fast recharges.
Béatrice Foucher, DS Automobiles CEO:
Electrification is at the core of DS Automobiles’ global strategy. We have been the first premium car maker to enter Formula E and our brand has significantly benefitted from the work and the successes of DS Performance, both in terms of development and brand awareness. If today DS Automobiles is the multienergy constructor with the lowest average of CO2 emissions in Europe, it is also thanks to the expertise acquired in Formula E. Extending our commitment to 2026 will offer us new opportunities to continue our development work !
Jamie Reigle, Chief Executive Officer of Formula E:
DS Automobiles was one of the first manufacturers to join Formula E when teams began developing the powertrains of their racing cars and it is inspiring to see the extensive fleet of electric vehicles they have introduced to the streets since. I am delighted that Formula E’s only back-to-back double champions have secured a place on the grid for Season 9 as it reaffirms Formula E’s position as a technology proving ground and marketing platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. We look forward to breaking new ground during the next phase of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with DS Automobiles.
DS Automobiles offers a range of four models, all electrified : DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, full-electric, and DS 4 E-Tense 225, DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225, DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4 300, DS 9 E-Tense 225 and DS 9 E-Tense 4×4 360, rechargeable hybrids.
DS Automobiles and its partner Techeetah are currently preparing for the first rounds of the Season 7 which will take place at Diriyah (Saudi Arabia) on 26-27 February. Those will be the first night races in the history of Formula E. At the wheel of the two DS E-Tense FE20 will be reigning champion António Félix da Costa and the only Formula E double champion, Jean-Éric Vergne.
* DS Automobiles candidacy pending validation by the FIA
Source: DS Automobiles
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