PSA Peugeot Citroën’s DS brand plans to phase out gasoline and diesel powertrains altogether within the next few years.
“Starting in 2025, each new DS will be launched exclusively with electrified powertrains,” CEO Yves Bonnefont said in a statement. This move follows Volvo, which announced last year that every new car it sells from 2019 on will have some degree of electrification. And other automakers have said they will offer electrified variants of every model in their lineups.
DS is kicking off its electrification push with the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4, a hybrid version of its new crossover.
DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4×4
Sporting a 300-horsepower gasoline-electric powertrain, it launches in Fall 2019. DS plans to unveil its first all-electric production model at the 2018 Paris Motor Show this fall.
Formula E will serve as a proving ground for future electric powertrains, a DS press release said. However, given the series’ many restrictions on technical development, it’s unclear how much racing will actually benefit road cars. DS has been involved with Formula E since the series launched in 2014, first year DS became an independent brand. DS currently partners with Richard Branson’s Virgin Racing.
If DS makes it’s way to North America as part of PSA’s plans begin selling cars here by 2026, we supose it is a safe bet that it will pass the gas pumps and take the road travelled by Tesla. This – if it makes it here at all!
