DS 3 E-Tense review: range, battery & charging
Range has jumped from 212 miles to 250 thanks to a larger battery, though rival electric SUVs will go further still
| Range | Battery size | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 miles | 54kWh | 7hrs 30mins (7.4kW, 0-100%) | 30mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
One of the most significant changes to come as part of DS 3 E-Tense’s facelift was a new 54kWh battery (51kWh usable). It’s only marginally bigger than the 50kWh unit the car used to feature, but it has allowed a boost in range from 212 miles to 250. It’s the same setup you’ll find in the new Jeep Avenger, the recently updated Vauxhall Mokka Electric and will soon be making its way into various other Stellantis Group EVs.
The updated version of the electric DS 3 is also fitted with a heat pump and the battery gets thermal conditioning. Combined, these additions should increase cold-weather range and battery longevity.
DS 3 E-Tense range
The only battery size offered for the DS 3 is 51kWh, which DS claims is good for a driving range of 250 miles in official testing, although in our experience closer to 220 miles is perhaps more realistic day-to-day. While the updated model’s range boost is nothing to scoff at, rivals like the Kia Niro EV and MG ZS EV Long Range can go even further on a charge. The Kia particularly has proved itself to be very efficient when we’ve tested it.
You can of course flick the DS 3 into ‘Eco’ mode if you need to eke out an extra few miles of range from the battery, but this will limit the power output from the electric motor.
Charge time
Fully recharging the DS 3’s battery from flat will take a little under eight hours from a regular 7kW home wallbox or public charging point. Meanwhile, a 10-80% top-up can be achieved in 30 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger. Like many of the DS 3’s rivals, there's an app that allows you to monitor charging, as well as preconditioning the car so the cabin is warm or cool when you get in.
