DS 3 E-Tense Electric: What Is the Cost to Recharge the Compact SUV?

Thanks to its new mechanical assembly, the DS 3 E-Tense is more powerful and less energy-consuming. Substantial savings are now possible in everyday use.

Stop calling it the DS 3 Crossback. The compact SUV is now simply called DS 3 (read our detailed review of the DS 3 E-Tense)… like the old hatchback which still holds a special place in our hearts! More seriously, the facelift of the French model focused on modernizing its face and especially strengthening its family resemblance with the rest of the lineup. More stately, it also takes the opportunity to elevate the interior quality. While the materials are still carefully selected, this 2023 version gains a new multimedia interface of much higher quality. In terms of resolution, processing speed, and customization options, the DS 3 is finally able to compete with its rivals, such as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro.

But the highlight is under the hood, with a brand new electric motor manufactured in France, at Emotors in Trémery, a Franco-Japanese joint venture between Nidec Leroy-Somer and Stellantis. More powerful by 20 hp (154 hp), it offers greater driving pleasure and benefits from an updated battery with a usable capacity of 51 kWh. That’s 5 kWh more than before the facelift.

For once, prices have not experienced significant inflation, but the DS 3 E-Tense has nonetheless removed its entry-level Montmartre trim and reduced equipment on higher trims.

As of this writing, the lineup is organized as follows:

• Bastille Trim: from €41,700
• Performance Line Trim: from €42,200
• Performance Line +: from €44,100
• Rivoli Trim: from €44,800
• Opera Trim: from €48,800

Note that all trims, except for the top-tier Opera, benefit from the €5,000 bonus.

Range and Consumption of the DS 3 E-Tense

Charging Time of the DS 3 E-Tense

Home Charging

Fast charging at Ionity stations

Cost comparison for a full tank of 95-E10 on a DS 3 Puretech 130

To compare the fuel cost or charging costs for this facelifted DS 3, it’s very simple. The compact SUV is available in gasoline, as well as diesel. The closest versions are the E-Tense 100% electric and the Puretech 130, which comes with an automatic transmission as standard. This proven engine has a smaller displacement and uses an 8-speed automatic gearbox for reasonably modest consumption, roughly 7 liters per 100 km in real driving conditions. Compared to the 20.2 kWh/100 km measured on our DS 3 E-Tense, which was tested in winter conditions.

For 100 km of driving, the gasoline version will cost approximately €13.26, assuming a price of €1.895 per liter of Super 95-E10 at the time of writing. With its 44-liter tank, refueling will total around €83.38.

Summary: the DS 3 E-Tense versus its thermal counterpart

The DS 3 E-Tense is undeniably the best version of the lineup, in terms of driving comfort, performance, and quiet operation. Its range has increased by 80 km compared to the previous mechanical version, but it still falls short of the gasoline version, which can travel about 630 km on a full tank (around 250 km electric in winter, probably 300-320 km in milder weather).

Provided you don’t opt for the top-of-the-range Opera and benefit from the €5,000 bonus on other trims, the price difference between gasoline and diesel is around €3,000, which remains very reasonable, especially considering that charging costs at home are significantly lower than fueling with petrol.

Read also: Test: 500 km in cold weather, at the wheel of the new DS 3 E-Tense 2023