Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric DS 3 E-TENSE SUV
DS Automobiles is a French luxury automotive brand, which was launched in 2009. Though it was initially part of the PSA Group (Citroën DS), it was launched as a standalone brand in 2014. The French marque was developed by the PSA Group to include a more premium brand in its portfolio. DS Automobiles was inspired by the original DS unveiled at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. The company is also involved with Formula E.
In fact, electrification has been part of the brands strategy from its creation. The company claims, ‘the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe (100.2 g/km of CO2 according to the WLTP cycle per registered car in the first half of 2021) and more than a third of its cars are electrified. This strategy is accelerating: from 2024, every new DS Automobiles model will be exclusively 100% electric”.
The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs):
The DS 3 has been available since 2019, but has been updated with improvements in 2023. The new all-electric DS 3 E-Tense compact SUV has an improved electric range, more technology, better performance (more powerful electric motor) and an updated styling. The manufacturer has also dropped ‘Crossback’ from the model name.
The DS 3 E-Tense is available in only one EV battery size: 54 kWh (usable: 50.8 kWh), with a claimed electric range up to 434 km (WLTP). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the pure electric DS 3 should be able to achieve over 350 km on a single charge. Given the compact size and e-range, the e-SUV is well suited for urban drivers, but also just as useful for longer motorway journeys.
The DS 3 EV offers DC charging up to 100 kW DC. Neither the fastest, nor the slowest DC rapid charging speed. The electric car can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes at 100 kW DC. For the more commonly available 50 kW DC rapid charger, the EV can be charged 10% to 80% in 62 minutes. But it is worth noting that the majority of EV charging sessions are done at home, and usually overnight, when electricity prices are cheaper.
The DS 3 electric car incorporates an 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. Using a dedicated 3-phase EV charger like myenergi zappi, the EV can be fully charged in 5 hours. However, most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply, and single-phase EV charging will take longer (7 hours 30 minutes). We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car.
We also recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, charging times are shorter and the regular charging of the EV battery is beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. DS Automobiles offers a warranty up to 8 years or 160,000 km. It covers up to 70% of original battery capacity.
The pure electric DS 3 E-Tense SUV is available only as a front-wheel drive (FWD). The electric car can achieve 0-100 km/h in 9 seconds (max power: 155 hp/ torque: 260 Nm). The top speed of the electric vehicle (EV) is 150 km/h. The EV incorporates regenerative braking. The EV does not incorporate one-pedal driving.
The exterior and interior styling of the DS 3 E-Tense, though an acquired taste, is certainly distinct (the same is the case for the interior design). In general, the EV does not feel as spacious as alternatives. Moreover, the smaller windows in the rear does impact the rear-view visibility, but also make the cabin feel less spacious. The boot space is limited to 350 L.
The EV has a decent level of technology and equipment on offer, to include: keyless start, blind spot detection, heat pump, rear and front parking sensors, reversing camera (180° Vision), emergency braking system (up to 52mph), lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, speed limit recognition, intelligent speed adaptation and more.
The in-car entertainment system has also been updated. It includes: 7 inch digital instrument cluster, 10.3 inch HD touchscreen, DS IRIS SYSTEM, 3D connected navigation, natural voice recognition, head-up display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and more!
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Decent pure electric range | Interior quirky ‘diamond theme’ design has restricted appeal |
| 100 kW DC charging/ 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | Only available in one EV battery size |
| Includes heat pump | Rear-view visibility limited (B-pillar) |
Gallery
The All-Electric DS 3 E-TENSE SUV (credit: DS Automobiles)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| DS 3 E-TENSE BASTILLE+ (from € 47,563) |
| DS 3 E-TENSE RIVOLI (from € 52,638) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 54 kWh |
| Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). 50 kW DC charger (10%-80%: 62 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1534 |
| Width (mm): | 1988 |
| Length (mm): | 4118 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2558 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 10.7 |
| Boot Capacity (L): | 350 |
| DS3 E-TENSE | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 54 kWh |
| Electric Range (WLTP): | 374 – 434 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 14.2 – 16.4 |
| Charging: | 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). 50 kW DC charger (10%-80%: 62 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 150 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 9.0 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 115 |
| Max Power (hp): | 155 |
| Torque (Nm): | 260 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,550 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Four-Star |
Top Reasons To Buy A Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Never have the reasons to buy a pure electric car been more compelling, than in 2023. The past decade has witnessed a significant maturity of all types of electric vehicles (EVs), to include, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
In particular, BEVs have improved significantly, to include: e-range, styling, performance, choice, availability and more! A BEV, also known as a pure electric car, is propelled using energy stored in an EV battery via an electric motor. While a PHEV uses ‘hybrid technology’, to include, an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, to propel the vehicle. A BEV does not use an internal combustion engine!
In terms of zero-emission electric range, the latest generation of all-electric cars can achieve between 200 km to 500 km on a single charge. Some even more. As an example, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE saloon has a claimed electric range up to 618 km (WLTP) on a single charge. We can continue to expect further improvements in battery performance and electric range in the coming years.
In terms of style and performance, we are now spoilt for choice across all budget segments. Even the likes of the famed ultra-luxurious automotive manufacturer, Rolls-Royce Motors Cars has joined the race to the migration to pure electric cars.
The all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre is a defining chapter in the history of the famed luxury automotive manufacturer, as it migrates to the production of electric cars. From 2030, Rolls-Royce will electrify its entire portfolio of luxury cars. The Spectre is the first production pure electric car, which was announced in September 2021. The launch of the Rolls-Royce Spectre is also a defining moment for the global automotive industry!
| Top Reasons To Buy A Pure Electric Car | |
|---|---|
| Tailpipe emissions: | A pure electric car has zero-tailpipe emissions i.e. improves air quality in the immediate area. |
| Cheaper to ‘charge’ than ‘fill’: | Significantly cheaper to recharge a full EV battery, compared to filling a full tank of petrol or diesel. An EV battery can be charged for as little as€10, while filling a tank of fuel is usually over€100! |
| Cheaper running costs: | Cheaper to drive per km, compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol/ diesel car. An EV costs less than 10 cents per km to drive. |
| Lower maintenance costs: | Lower maintenance costs, compared to aninternal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. Pure electric cars have fewer moving parts, so less can go wrong! |
| Lower noise pollution: | Lower noise pollution,compared to aninternal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. Noise pollution is as detrimental to health, as air pollution! |
| Smoother and quieter drive: | BEVs are in general silent, improving the travel experience in the cabin. Moreover, the delivery of power is smoother, further enhancing the driving experience. |
| Instant torque: | Yes certainly, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) have better torque performance compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. BEVs can deliver immediate torque. The better torque performance of electric cars, further contributes to the ‘fun factor’ in driving an EV, compared to a conventional car. |
| Vast choice for all budgets: | A vast range of fantastic EV available on sale, for all budgets, body types and aspirations. |
| Government grants: | Attractive government subsidies to support the uptake of electric cars. Take advantage while still available. |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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