DS Automobiles is a French luxury car brand that has been making waves in the electric car market with its stylish and innovative models. But did you know that DS is also a powerhouse in Formula E, the world's premier electric racing series?
As the official partner of Techeetah, the reigning Formula E champion team, DS has been involved in 100 races since the inception of the series in 2014. That's a remarkable achievement for a brand that was only launched as a standalone entity in 2015 after being spun off from Citroën.
DS and Techeetah have won two drivers' titles and two teams' titles in Formula E, making them one of the most successful combinations in the history of the sport. Their star driver, Jean-Éric Vergne, is the only driver to have won two Formula E championships in 2018 and 2019.
But what makes DS so good at Formula E? And how does their racing success translate to their road cars? Let's take a closer look at how DS Automobiles is leading the charge in electric mobility.
How DS Automobiles Became a Formula E Force
Formula E is a unique racing series that challenges car manufacturers to develop and showcase their electric technology in a competitive environment. The races take place on temporary street circuits in major cities around the world, such as Paris, New York, Rome, and Hong Kong.
Unlike traditional motorsports, Formula E cars are powered by batteries that need to be managed carefully throughout the race. Drivers also have to contend with changing weather conditions, tight corners, and unpredictable overtaking maneuvers.
To succeed in Formula E, car manufacturers need to deeply understand electric powertrains, battery management, aerodynamics, and software optimization. They must also have a strong driver lineup, a reliable team, and a winning strategy.
DS Automobiles has proven to have all these qualities and more. Since joining forces with Techeetah in 2018, DS has developed some of the most advanced and efficient electric race cars in the series. Their current car, the DS E-TENSE FE21, boasts a power output of 250 kW (335 hp) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds.
The DS E-TENSE FE21 also features a regenerative braking system that can recover up to 250 kW of energy during deceleration, allowing the car to extend its range and performance. The car's aerodynamics are designed to minimize drag and optimize cooling, while its software is constantly updated to improve its efficiency and responsiveness.
DS Automobiles has also invested heavily in its driver development program, recruiting some of the best talents in the industry. Besides Vergne, who is currently second in the drivers' standings, DS also has António Félix da Costa, the reigning Formula E champion, who joined the team in 2019.
Together, Vergne and da Costa form a formidable duo that can challenge any rival on any track. They have won six races and scored 14 podiums for DS Techeetah so far and are aiming for more glory in the remaining races of the season.