DS has introduced the luxurious DS N°8 electric vehicle, featuring an impressive range of 750 kilometers. Built on an enhanced STLA Medium Evo platform, it showcases significant aerodynamic improvements, including a lower drag coefficient of 0.24. Key innovations, such as movable front air intake flaps and refined bodywork, contribute to increased efficiency and range. DS claims the N°8 can cover long distances, potentially achieving over 500 km on highways, although real-world testing will confirm these assertions.
The DS brand, a member of Stellantis’ “premium” lineup, has unveiled its latest luxurious offering: the DS N°8. This impressive electric vehicle boasts an extensive range of 750 kilometers, setting it apart in the automotive market.
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Join us as we explore the DS N°8, the French electric car that promises an extraordinary 750 km range.
What’s fascinating is that the DS N°8 utilizes the same platform and battery technology as the Peugeot E-3008, which has a range of 701 km on a full charge. We had the opportunity to speak with the project leaders to delve deeper into this innovative vehicle.
Enhanced Engineering Platform
The DS N°8 shares its foundation not only with the Peugeot E-3008 but also with the E-5008 and the Opel Grandland, all built on the STLA Medium platform. However, the N°8 takes it a step further.
Thierry Métroz, head of DS design, revealed that the N°8 features an upgraded STLA Medium Evo platform. The engineering teams have been fine-tuning the “hard points”—elements like the engine and suspension placements—since 2018. This meticulous engineering results in a vehicle with a roof that is 8 cm lower and a hood that sits 5 cm lower than its 3008 counterpart, enhancing both aerodynamics and the driver’s visibility.
Refined Aerodynamics for Maximum Efficiency
Impressive Metrics
Aerodynamics play a pivotal role in minimizing air resistance, which in turn reduces energy consumption and extends overall range.
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Learn about the significance of Cx in electric vehicle aerodynamics.
To evaluate aerodynamics, we consider the drag coefficient (Cx) and the SCx, which is the Cx multiplied by the vehicle’s frontal area. The taller the vehicle, the higher its SCx value will be.
When comparing the DS N°8 with the electric 3008, the differences are striking: the DS N°8 has a Cx of 0.24, while the Peugeot’s Cx stands at 0.28—indicating a 7.7% improvement. The SCx also favors the DS, measuring 0.63 versus 0.745 for the Peugeot, marking an 18.25% difference.
A Holistic Approach to Design
Achieving these aerodynamic advancements required significant effort from the DS design and engineering teams. Just days before the N°8 reveal, we were nearby discussing similar topics with the Citroën teams working on the upcoming C5 Aircross. It was evident that the two brands had different design freedoms.
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While the C5 Aircross incorporates respectable aerodynamic elements, the N°8 elevates this to new heights. Designers are proud to share the specifics of their achievements.
The most notable aerodynamic enhancement is the introduction of movable flaps on the front air intake. These flaps open during cooling needs, such as during charging, and remain closed otherwise, contributing an additional 18 km to the WLTP range, and up to 22 km at highway speeds.
Bodywork improvements have also been instrumental, with sharp surfaces designed to streamline airflow at both the front and rear, yielding an extra 12 km of WLTP range. The rear spoiler, crafted to manage airflow efficiently, adds another 12 km, while the underbody fairings, promoting smooth air passage, contribute 14 km. Lastly, aerodynamic wheels provide an additional 4 km, culminating in a remarkable total gain of 60 km of WLTP range through bodywork refinement alone.
Understanding the Numbers
While the advancements are impressive, it’s important to maintain perspective. The claimed consumption of 12.9 kWh/100 km is based on the measurement from the battery to the wheel. However, WLTP standardized consumption is calculated from the plug to the wheel, which accounts for charger efficiency.
Furthermore, to highlight the advantages of its extensive range, DS suggests that drivers can achieve “more than 500 km on the highway” at a constant speed of 120 km/h. However, they do not mention various factors that can influence this figure, such as weather conditions, passengers, and cargo.
According to DS, a trip from Paris to Lyon can be completed without recharging, while a journey from Paris to Bologna (1,100 km) would require just two charging stops, still at 120 km/h with 60 km remaining upon arrival. These bold claims will be put to the test in real-world conditions to verify their accuracy.