It's a revolution of sorts. Automakers who don't partake will become extinct. Yes, we're talking about electrification of cars. Almost every company has made its move towards electrifying their cars in some form; either plug-in hybrid or all-electric. The latest brand to do so (announce, rather) is DS. This French company will sell "only" electrified cars from 2025. Interestingly, they don't have a single EV on the market yet!

Complete portfolio shift for DS

"Our ambition is very clear: for DS to be among the global leaders in electrified cars in its segment,” said DS CEO, Yves Bonnefont. The premium brand will launch its first electrified model, the plug-in hybrid DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4x4 in 2019 with 300 horses and a range of 30 miles. DS will also introduce an all-electric car at the Paris Motor Show later this year, hinting at a production version reaching dealers shortly after the SUV. DS is set to launch six new models by 2023, with each offered with at least one electrified variant. DS said the cars would be a mixture of all-new market entries and replacements for existing models.

Long-term EV plans

DS recently revealed the X E-Tense concept that shows the brand's take on an all-electric performance car of 2035. The concept used an unconventional layout of placing the electric motors in its front wheels. The X E-Tense will produce 1341 horses combined. The company has competed in the Formula E championship since its inauguration in 2014. It said the technology developed there directly benefits its electrified road car development, which does seem like a good learning.

Our Take

The French automaker has joined the party late but looks highly motivated. Despite having no electric vehicle on the market as of today, DS is confident of converting 33-percent of its total sales from EVs by 2025. DS is going to face stiff competition in the EV segment with a lot of other rival brands already serving the market with some sort electric vehicle. The announcement of it going all electric from 2025 might end up affecting its current sales as well. Why would one risk buying a combustion engine car from a brand that will revamp its entire portfolio in less than seven years? We only hope the EVs from DS are good, or else they will be in tight spot moving forward. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 DS X E-Tense.

Read our full review on the 2016 DS E-Tense Concept.