PSA’s DS Brand Confirms First EV

Confirming reports from earlier this year, PSA Group’s upscale DS brand says it will offer an all-electric variant of its upcoming DS 3 Crossback.

The subcompact crossover is the second DS model, following last year’s DS 7 Crossback. The DS 3 will be the first vehicle to ride on PSA’s new CMP platform that will carry a host of future DS, Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Vauxhall models.

Styling cues are borrowed from the larger DS 7, complemented by shark-fin side pillars and retractable door handles that are activated when a person carrying the car keys approaches. Interior highlights include high-end materials, a digital instrument cluster, large infotainment screen and head-up display, smartphone charging pad and a sliding armrest.

Powertrain choices include several variants of PSA’s 1.2-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine and a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder diesel mill. The engines will be mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The all-electric DS 3 E-Tense model teams a 50-kWh lithium-ion battery with an electric motor that  generates 134 hp 190 lb-ft of torque. The car’s real-world driving range is estimated at 186 miles. DS says   it will take five hours to fully replenish the battery from   a home charger and about 30 minutes for 80% capacity via a fast charger.

 DS will publicly unveil the 3 Crossback and E-Tense variant next month at the Paris auto show. Sales will start next spring in Europe, where the vehicle will compete against the Audi Q2, BMW X2, Mini Countryman and Lexus UX.