Classic Citroen DS Gains An Electric Heart Thanks To UK-Based Electrogenic

The Citroen DS (1955-1975) is widely considered as one of the most beautiful cars of all time and now, owners of this French classic can opt for an electric conversion thanks to Electrogenic. The UK-based company presented their battery-electric Citroen DS offering a silent and zero-emission driving experience without sacrificing the amazing ride of the original.

This electromod is based on a late 1971 Citroen DS, complete with directional headlights. The exterior is virtually unchanged, besides the lack of tailpipes and the discreet “DS EV Electronique” badge at the back. The same goes for the interior which retains the original leather upholstery and the characteristic single-spoke steering wheel.

What is completely different is the powertrain – instead of the old 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, there is a Hyper9 brushless electric motor producing 120 hp (90 kW / 122 PS) and 235 Nm (173 ft-lb) of instantly available torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through the original manual gearbox with a steering wheel-mounted gear shifter.

The energy is stored in a 48.5 kWh battery, which according to Electrogenic is good for a real-world range of 140 miles (225 km). Thanks to the 29 kW onboard charger, the battery can fill up in around two hours which is quite nice for a classic BEV. For those with range anxiety issues, the company is also offering an additional battery which could extend the range to over 200 miles (322 km).

A very important feature of the DS was the unconventional self-leveling hydro-pneumatic suspension, known for its unrivaled ride comfort. Despite the lack of an internal combustion engine up front, Electrogenic managed to retain its usability thanks to a new silent electric pump replacing the noisy mechanical unit of the original.

According to Steve Drummond, Director and Co-Founder of Electrogenic, the aim of their conversions is “to enhance the original characteristics of the car”. Thus, he believes that the Citroen DS limousine was “ideally suited to an electric conversion”, as “the silent powertrain adds to the serene driving experience and fits perfectly with the character of the car”.

This is not the first time Electrogenic converts a classic car into an EV, with several previous projects including the Jaguar E-Type, Triumph Stag, Morgan 4/4, Hudson Commodore, Volkswagen Beetle, and Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow.