DS Automobiles becomes second manufacturer to commit to Formula E’s Gen3 era

DS Automobiles has committed to the ABB Formula E World Championship’s Gen3 era, which begins in 2022.

The French manufacturer, which has competed in Formula E since season two, and is the current partner of Chinese racing team Techeetah, becomes the second manufacturer to announce its commitment to the championship’s long-term future.

Mahindra Racing, one of Formula E’s founding teams, became the first automotive manufacturer to sign up for the championship’s new generation in November.

Formula E’s Gen3 era will run between the 2022-23 and 2025-26 seasons and feature more powerful, lighter cars, faster charging and cost controls.

Power levels will be boosted up to the equivalent of 470bhp and the introduction of a 120kg weight reduction will be implemented per car.

DS has claimed 14 E-Prix victories as a manufacturer and took back-to-back teams’ championships between 2018 and 2020, as well as helping Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa to three successive titles.

“Electrification is at the core of DS Automobiles’ global strategy,” said DS Automobiles Director General Beatrice Foucher. “We have been the first premium car maker to enter Formula E and our brand has significantly benefitted from the work and the successes of DS Performance, both in terms of development and brand awareness.

"If today DS Automobiles is the multienergy constructor with the lowest average of CO2 emissions in Europe, it is also thanks to the expertise acquired in Formula E. Extending our commitment to 2026 will offer us new opportunities to continue our development work!”

Manufacturers have until June to confirm their commitment for the 2022-23 season onwards.

Last month, McLaren Racing signed an agreement with Formula E that gives it the option to join the championship for the beginning of the Gen3 era in 2022.

The deal, while not guaranteeing that McLaren will compete in the championship,  assures the eight-time Formula 1 constructors’ champions of an entry on the grid should it wish to proceed.

DS Automobiles’ announcement comes as a boost for the all-electric series following Audi and BMW’s decision to quit Formula E at the end of the upcoming 2020-21 campaign.

Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle added: “DS Automobiles was one of the first manufacturers to join Formula E when teams began developing the powertrains of their racing cars and it is inspiring to see the extensive fleet of electric vehicles they have introduced to the streets since.

"I am delighted that Formula E's only back-to-back double champions have secured a place on the grid for Season 9 as it reaffirms Formula E’s position as a technological proving ground and marketing platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. We look forward to breaking new ground during the next phase of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with DS Automobiles.”

Formula E and the FIA have since put in place financial penalties designed to put off manufacturer’s from leaving the championship during the Gen3 era.