DS Automobiles will embark on a major milestone in its history in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Coming off the back of an incredibly successful second generation which produced a pair of Drivers’ and Teams’ titles between 2019 and 2020, as well as a number of unrivalled records (10 victories, 15 pole positions and 28 podiums), the Stellantis-backed outfit has officially revealed its DS E-TENSE FE23 with which it will contest season nine in 2022-23.
The third-generation 100% electric car, with its instantly-recognisable black and gold livery, perfectly embodies the ethos of DS Automobiles, and is testament to the latest technological leap.
The FE23 features a number of significant changes compared to its predecessor. The Gen3 cars are the fastest-ever seen in the Formula E World Championship, with a top speed of 280 kph, while also being 60kg lighter than the Gen2 car. Most important, however, is efficiency – with more than 40% of the energy used in a race coming from regeneration under braking.
Crucially, the DS E-TENSE FE23 is also more powerful, putting out 350 kW compared to 250 kW in the Gen2 car, and is equipped with four-wheel drive. A new front drivetrain adds an extra 250 kW to the rear, doubling the regeneration capacity to a total of 600 kW. Finally, thanks to the new front drivetrain, the Gen3 is the first Formula E car without hydraulic rear brakes.
Developed by DS Performance, the racing division of DS Automobiles, the DS E-TENSE FE 23 will be the weapon of choice for the DS PENSKE team and its drivers: defending Formula E world champion Stoffel Vandoorne, and Jean-Eric Vergne – the only driver in the history of Formula E to have won the title on more than one occasion.
Strengthened by its new association with PENSKE AUTOSPORT, DS Automobiles remains committed to securing more victories and titles, as well as new records, in the all-electric championship that continues to be a vector of acceleration for its research and development work. More than ever, this commitment is a key project for DS Automobiles, which will become 100% electric from 2024 onwards.
Season 9 of Formula E promises to be one of the most competitive since the inaugural campaign began back in 2014, thanks to the innovative new Gen3 car, 11 teams on the grid and revamped sporting regulations. Race distances will now be determined by a number of laps rather than time, while teams can fast-charge their Attack Mode during the pit-stops.
Key Features of the DS E-TENSE FE23 Gen3:
Performance and efficiency:
- Powertrain developed by DS Performance
- Maximum power: 350 kW (476 CH)
- Top speed: 280 kph (optimised for street circuits)
- Brakes: New front drivetrain adds 250 kW to the 350 kW generated at the rear. Electric braking system (brake-by-wire) on all four wheels.
- Energy recovery power during braking: 600 kW
- 40% of the energy used during a race comes from regeneration under braking
Sustainability:
- According to the supplier, the Gen3 batteries are among the most advanced and durable ever made. They are made with minerals from environmentally responsible sources, while the battery cells will be reused and recycled at the end of their lifespan.
- Flax and recycled carbon fibre will be used in the construction of the car’s bodywork for the first time. The carbon fibre will be recycled from the Gen2 cars in order to reduce the overall amount of new carbon fibre created.
- The Gen3’s carbon footprint has been measured from the design phase to document the energy-saving measures taken as well as overall environmental impact. All unavoidable emissions will be offset as part of Formula E’s net zero carbon commitment.
