DS Penske unveiled the DS e-Tense Fe23 ahead of the ninth season official test of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Valencia, Spain. Immediately recognizable with its black and gold paint, the third generation, 100 percent electric car reflects the values of DS Automobiles.
Fe23 features a number of significant changes compared to its predecessor. The third-generation vehicles are the fastest ever seen in the Formula E World Championship, thanks to a top speed of 280 km/h and at the same time weighing 60 kilograms less than the second-generation vehicle.
The fact that more than 40 percent of the energy used in a Formula E race is obtained from the recovery during braking increases the importance in this area. On top of that, the DS E-Tense Fe23 is both more powerful and agile thanks to its all-wheel drive and 250 kW of power compared to the 350 kW in the second generation car. The new front drivetrain adds an extra 250 kW to the rear, doubling the recovery capacity and bringing total power to 600 kW. Finally, thanks to the new front drivetrain, the third-generation vehicle stands out as the first Formula E vehicle without hydraulic rear brakes.
Pre-season testing was held in Valencia
The traditional pre-season testing of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship was held at the famous Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, Spain.
Over the course of seven timed sessions, the 11 teams participating for the ninth season competed head-to-head for the first time in all-electric, third-generation race cars. The DS Penske team came out of this tough first test with strong performances thanks to Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne behind the wheel of the DS E-Tense Fe23.
Despite tough competition, the drivers, one of the reigning champions of Formula E and the other of two, managed to place the new racing car developed by DS Performance at the top of the timelines. These results were very encouraging for DS Automobiles and its partner Penske Autosport, ahead of the first race of the ninth season in Mexico on January 14, 2023.
DS Automobiles goes all-electric by 2024
Developed by DS Performance, DS Automobiles' racing division, the DS E-Tense Fe23 will be the favorite weapon of the DS Penske team and their drivers, namely the late Formula E world champion Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne, the only driver to win multiple championships in Formula E history. Powered by its new partnership with Penske Autosport, DS Automobiles remains determined to achieve more victories and titles, as well as new records in the all-electric championship, which remains the key factor in accelerating its research and development efforts. This determination is more important than ever for DS Automobiles, whose new cars will all be 2024 percent electric from 100.
An infrastructure that complies with the new rules
Formula E's ninth season promises to be one of the most competitive seasons since its debut in 11, with an innovative third-generation car, 2014 teams on the starting line and renewed sporting regulations. Race distances are now determined by number of laps rather than time, while teams can quickly charge Attack Modes during pit stops.
Key features of DS E-Tense Fe23 Gen3:
Performance and efficiency:
Powertrain developed by DS Performance.
-Maximum power: 350 kW (476 rpm)
-Maximum speed: 280 km/h (optimized for street tracks)
-Brakes: The new front drivetrain adds 350 kW to the 250 kW produced at the rear. Electric braking system (Brake-by-wire) on all four wheels.
-Energy recovery during braking: 600 kW
40 percent of the energy used during a race comes from braking recovery.
Sustainability:
-According to the supplier, the third-generation battery is among the most advanced and durable batteries ever. The cells of the battery, produced with minerals obtained from environmentally friendly sources, will be reused and recycled at the end of their useful life.
-For the first time, linen and recycled carbon fiber will be used in the body of the car. Carbon fiber will be recycled from second-generation vehicles to reduce the overall amount of new carbon fiber produced.
-The carbon footprint of the third generation is measured from the design stage to document the overall environmental impact as well as the energy saving measures taken. All unavoidable emissions will be offset as part of Formula E's commitment to net zero carbon.
Béatrice Foucher, CEO of DS Automobiles, used the following statements in her statement on the subject:
“Innovation arises from competition. Since DS Automobiles was founded, we have placed the transition to electric power at the center of our global strategy. As the first premium manufacturer in our category, our success in Formula E and the numerous records we have achieved with the second generation car have increased our technological know-how and reputation. Today, we turn a new page with a recognized team, outstanding pilots and a clear goal: we will continue to earn titles to accompany the launch of our new electric-only models from 2024.”
Eugenio Franzetti, Director of DS Performance, said: “After a lot of hard work on the development of the DS E-Tense Fe23, the Valencia tests have finally been carried out. We all got together there and had the opportunity to get an idea of the performance of our competitors. It was a busy weekend that gave us very positive signs but also showed that the level of competition will be extremely high and the ninth season will be the scene of some very close fights.” he said.
Jay Penske, Owner and Team Principal of DS Penske: “This season will be a turning point for the team. A new generation race car, a new powertrain and a historic collaboration with a manufacturer we've admired for years. We couldn't be more excited for season ninth! Given that Stoffel and Vergne are the strongest and most experienced drivers in the series, we believe our prospects for the season should be incredibly strong. I look forward to the outstanding results we will achieve this season and our journey with DS and Stellantis to begin in January 2023 in Mexico City.” said.
Stoffel Vandoorne, reigning Formula E World Champion: “It was really exciting to come back to Valencia for pre-season testing. The sessions were extremely positive for us. We learned a lot about our new tool. "We've built a solid foundation before we compete in the first race of the season in Mexico." he said.
2018 and 2019 Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne: “Everything went very well. I am satisfied with the car and all the work done with the team. These testing days are crucial for analyzing data and determining how we can improve. Of course we have to keep working, but I am confident because our performance here is very good.” used the phrases.
Key achievements since DS Automobiles' entry into Formula E are listed below:
“89 races, 4 championships, 15 victories, 44 podiums, 22 pole positions”
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