DS AUTOMOBILES: FROM FORMULA E TO DS N°8

• DS Automobiles, which has been involved in Formula E for 10 years, uses the all-electric series to accelerate the development of its road cars  

• N°8, the French marque’s new 100% electric flagship, incorporates a number of concepts and elements that come directly from Formula E 

• Both on the road and the racetrack, DS Automobiles has established a benchmark in electric vehicle technology 

Motorsport has always been a key accelerator of research and development on road cars. In 2015 DS Automobiles became the first premium automotive marque to enter the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and today it continues its sporting adventure in the innovative all-electric series, while developing an electrified range of road cars that benefit from technology transfer in both physical parts as well as software. 

N°8, the new flagship model from DS Automobiles, delivers a record-breaking combined range of 466 miles WLTP, while directly capitalising on the technological know-how gained from the world’s racing circuits. 

Regenerative braking – a key element in Formula E – is just one of the valuable lessons learned from the all-electric series. This system is activated as soon as the driver comes off the accelerator, with three power settings that can be controlled via paddles on the steering wheel.  Complementing the different regeneration levels is the One-Pedal function on the N°8, which allows smooth driving without having to touch the brake pedal. 

Intelligent management of the four-wheel drive system is another characteristic inspired by Formula E. Just like the DS E-TENSE FE 25 at every race start, the N°8 AWD LONG RANGE uses its four driven wheels from rest (as well as kick-down in eco/normal/sport modes) for optimal traction under acceleration. 

Technology transfer is one of the key reasons DS Automobiles is committed to Formula E. Everything that the brand has learned about materials and strategies throughout the last 10 years of electric competition is applied by the teams developing the brand’s cars for the road.  

Every race, every podium and every victory translates into technological advancements and an unparalleled experience for DS Automobiles customers.  

Xavier Peugeot, Chief Executive Officer of DS Automobiles: 

“Through its continued engagement in Formula E over the last decade, our brand benefits from the technical know-how gained in competition to develop our electrified road-going models. The presence of DS Automobiles in Formula E is both the expression of our hunger for victory and the consolidation of our technological leadership. Our latest standard-bearer, DS N°8, is the perfect embodiment of that vision. With an exceptional range of 750 kilometres in the mixed cycle, it pushes the limits of electric mobility by pioneering long-distance journeys without the need to recharge. This technological leap bears witness to the major advancements made by our brand.” 

Eugenio Franzetti, DS Performance director: 

“The mission behind DS Performance is vital for more than one reason. Beyond the sporting goals we have set ourselves, we compete on Formula E’s circuits to support the brand when it comes to the development and refinement of its road cars. Thanks to our 10 years of motorsport experience, DS N°8 benefits from several important lessons in terms of electric technology. While we are delighted to fly the flag for DS on race podiums all over the world, we are equally proud to play a part in the creation of cars that revolutionise electric mobility.” 

Key stats since DS Automobiles entered Formula E: 

• 126 races 

• 4 Championship titles 

• 17 victories 

• 52 podiums 

• 25 pole positions 

PRESS CONTACTS 

Krystyna Perry – Head of PR DS Automobiles UK krystyna.perry@stellantis.com 07710 062 783 

Manesh Taank – PR Manager DS Automobiles UK manesh.taank@stellantis.com 07841 569 038 

ABOUT DS AUTOMOBILES 

Founded in Paris in 2014, DS Automobiles is a premium brand aiming to embody the French art of travel. Thanks to an exceptional heritage, exemplified by the 1955 DS and enriched by the wealth of French culture, DS Automobiles offers a global and diverse range with DS 3, DS 4, DS 7 and N°8.  

Designed for a clientele seeking something different, who want to travel the world and enjoy every moment, DS creations stand out through their charismatic style, interior refinement, sophisticated technology and first-class comfort. Combined with a suite of bespoke services, they offer a unique brand experience before, during and after each journey.  

With numerous records since its entry into Formula E in 2015, including two double Teams’ and Drivers’ titles, DS Automobiles is at the forefront of electrification and sells each of its models in an electrified version. The Brand offers 100% electric drivetrains as well as self-charging and plug-in hybrids with up to 360 horsepower and 4-wheel drive. In 2025, DS Automobiles is accelerating its transition to all-electric with the arrival of N°8, a new model offering up to 750km range.  

With a presence in 40 countries, the DS brand has an exclusive distribution network that includes nearly 450 DS STORES around the world.  

Follow news from DS internationally on www.DSautomobiles.com    @DS_Automobiles 

ABOUT PENSKE AUTOSPORT 

PENSKE AUTOSPORT is an American racing team founded in 2007 by Jay Penske. The team is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the largest single metropolitan EV market in the world. 

After many successful years competing in IndyCar (2007-2014), the team embraced the shift to electric mobility and became one of the founding teams of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.  

The team motto is the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” – meaning “out of many, there is one.