Battery-powered 1971 Citroen DS EV revealed

This is the Citroen DS like you’ve never seen it.

UK electrification firm Electrogenic has taken a 1971 example of the iconic French ‘goddess’, which some describe as the most beautiful car of all time, and transformed it into a fully-functioning electric vehicle.

The Oxford-based company, which is offering the conversion service commercially, says it managed to retain and in some cases improve the key character traits of the DS, including its much-vaunted ‘magic carpet’ ride and manual transmission.

First, Electrogenic swapped out the original 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine for a ‘Hyper9’ brushless electric motor that raises output to a 90kW and 235Nm and sources power from a 48.5kWh battery.

Drive is sent to the front wheels as before via a manual transmission, with the electric Citroen DS said to deliver a range of up to 224km. An optional range-extender battery stretches range to up to 320km, according to Electrogenic.

Then, engineers set their minds to improving the sleek Citroen’s trademark hydro-pneumatic suspension system, which enables it to self-level and is responsible for the car’s famously plush ride quality.

“Rather than using the original noisy mechanical pump, Electrogenic has created a silent electric pump, which delivers a more sophisticated ride than the original,” the company says.

“Electrogenic always maintains the beauty of the original car when converting classics to electric power, so the DS’s distinctive design remains unchanged. The absence of exhaust pipes and a subtle new ‘DS EV electronique’ decal on the boot, are the only visual clues to the car’s new electric powertrain.”

Electrifying classic cars is becoming increasingly popular, not only giving vehicles a new lease of life but in some cases improving their road manners and performance, as is the case with the Jaguar E-type Zero.

“Repowering classic cars with all-electric drive brings a number of benefits, from ease of use to reliability and performance gains,” said Steve Drummond, director and co-founder of Electrogenic.

“With our conversions, the aim is always to enhance the original characteristics of the car. In this respect, the Citroen DS was ideally suited to an electric conversion – the silent powertrain adds to the serene driving experience and fits perfectly with the character of the car.”

Closer to home, electric conversions have been unveiled for the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, which dates back to ‘only’ 1984, for deployment in underground Aussie mine sites.