Citroen spin-off, DS, has developed a car without brakes!

As EVs begin to fill the roads, new technology is working hard to make them more efficient, with no end in sight.

Is it safe?

Parisian luxury carmaker DS Automobiles has developed a prototype electric vehicle that uses electric motor regeneration instead of conventional brakes. It claims to showcases a potential future for electric vehicles.

The prototype is using technology from the brand’s Formula E race car. The DS E TENSE PERFORMANCE uses two onboard electric motors to slow the vehicle entirely through regenerative braking, up to 600 kW.

No stopping

Regenerative braking is already available in most electric vehicles, and is used to complement conventional friction brakes. However, DS is exploring whether regenerative braking can eventually be used as the sole method to slowing cars down. Alongside this, it can improve the recharging of batteries, save weight, improve economy, as well as reducing maintenance needs.

This intelligent technology renders the conventional Formula E braking system completely redundant.

From race to road

The DS E TENSE PERFORMANCE has been developed in conjunction with the brand’s championship winning Formula E team. It uses the same electric motors found in the electric race cars, producing 815hp, a massive 8,000Nm of torque, and acceleration 0-62mph in just two seconds. Using 350kW charging, a full charge can be completed in just five minutes.

“Formula E is about maximising performance and efficiency,” states Beatrice Foucher, DS Automobiles CEO.

“Regenerative braking is a very powerful way to not only slow the vehicle down, but also help improve battery performance. The DS E TENSE PERFORMANCE takes the technology to a new level, with regenerative braking used solely to slow the vehicle down.”