Citroen DS Converted Into Electric Restomod With 200-Mile Range

With the ban on new combustion car sales looming in some countries, there has been a rise in classic cars being converted into electric restomods to preserve them for future generations. We've seen electric restomods of everything from the original Range Rover to a Rolls-Royce Phantom V.

Recently, UK firm Electrogenic, which specializes in electric classic car restomods, converted a Jaguar E-Type into an exquisite 400-hp electric sports car. For its latest project, Electrogenic has the "first professionally converted" electric Citroen DS, reinventing the iconic French luxury car for the 21st century.

Based on a 1971 Citroen DS, the restomod retains the original car's iconic, quirky styling, but the original 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine has been replaced with a brushless electric motor producing 120 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque.

Power is sent to the front wheels through the car's original manual gearbox. Providing the juice is a 48.5-kWh battery that offers a range of around 140 miles between charges. Using a 29-kW charger, the batteries can be charged in around two hours. If you want more range, an optional range extender battery increases the range to 200 miles.

One of the most innovative features of the DS was its hydro-pneumatic suspension system that enabled the car to self-level while providing a smooth ride for passengers. For the electric restomod, the noisy mechanical pump has been replaced with a silent electric pump for a "more sophisticated ride than the original." The only clues that this DS is electrically powered are the lack of exhaust pipes and a subtle "DS EV electronique" decal on the trunk.

"As with all first-time conversions, the DS presented us with unique challenges, in this case adapting the hydropneumatic suspension to run without the combustion engine," said Electrogenic director Ian Newstead. "The old pump was so noisy that it detracted from the silent drive of the car, but our new electric pump solved the issue completely."