2019 is E-TENSE!
What better way to open the Geneva International Motor show than by introducing the new DS Automobiles DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE and DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4×4 strategy ?
New Energy Summit
The New Energy Summit took place at the DS store in Geneva. The panel consisted of Yves Bonnefont, General Manager of DS Automobiles, Jean-Éric Vergne, Formula E Champion and E-TENSE Ambassador, Marco Piffaretti, Energy 360°, and Ståle Frydenlund, Norsk EV Association. Moderator and CNN Formula E reporter Nicki Shields did a beautiful job leading the panel.
Jean-Éric Vergne shared his Manifesto Drive Change to bring the “Make our Planet Great Again” message to a broader audience and encourage the use of new technologies. The E-TENSE ambassador for DS Automobiles, the Formula E champion and DS E-TENSE FE19 driver is fully committed to sustainable development and is taking part in the E-TENSE project with DS Automobiles.
“DS Automobiles is where luxury and advanced technology come together. In 2019, we are launching E-TENSE and we are selling two models which represent world premieres in their respective segments. E-TENSE unites the demands of the energy transition and the joy of the automobile. We have chosen to completely electrify our range. From this year onwards, each of our models will be offered with an E-TENSE electric or plug-in hybrid version, which uses energy in the most efficient way by regenerating energy during braking. E-TENSE is a complete mobility solution which anticipates future regulations and uses energy in the most efficient way through energy recovery from braking. DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE and DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4×4 are the realisation of our electrification strategy with unparalleled style and comfort.” (Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles)
What is E-TENSE?
E-TENSE is the global vision of DS Automobiles’ energy transition. This new avant-garde electrification strategy has led the brand to offer all its new models in 100% electric or high-performance plug-in hybrid versions, combined with its range of dedicated services.
- 100% electric B-SUV
- First rechargeable hybrid premium SUV with 50 kilometres of range in zero emission mode (WLTP cycle) offering 300 horsepower and 4WD
I got to sit with the stars of the event, Jean-Eric Vergne and Nicki Shields and asked them a few questions.
INTERVIEWS
Jean-Eric Vergne French racing driver
“Jean-Éric Vergne is a French racing driver competing in the FIA Formula E Championship with the TECHEETAH Formula E team. He became the ABB Formula E World Champion after clinching fifth in the New York ePrix in 2018. He competed in Formula One for Scuderia Toro Rosso from 2012 to 2014, and was a Ferrari test and development driver from 2015 to 2016. He won the British Formula 3 Championship in 2010 and then finished runner-up to teammate Robert Wickens in the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series season.” (Wikipedia)
What are some of the misconceptions people have about Formula E compared to Formula 1?
The level of competition is probably higher than Formula 1, what people may not realise. At the formula 1 you have 2 or 3 teams at the most that can win. At Formula E you have 11 teams that can win the race. So the level of competition is crazy hard!
How is the preparation process for Formula E? Is it the same as for Formula One?
It’s definitely tougher in Formula E than it is for F1 because we have more simulators and only have one day – so you have to get it right at the first lap in the morning!
What would you say about failing in your industry or in general?
The biggest fear is to fail and it’s also the biggest source of motivation to work hard and be successful because you don’t want to fail! For me, I hate so much more to lose a race than doing the race! The will of not losing is much bigger than winning. Probably not so easy for my entourage because I get moody and down, waiting for the next race to come to win.
What would you like to tell the next generation wishing to follow your pathway?
There’s only 1 thing and that is not to have any regrets. That’s probably one of the worst things you can experience in life, no matter the area of your life (family, work, love …)
Regrets are things you can never change or go back to and you have to live with that feeling the rest of your life. And not to have regrets, you have to do everything right, to give everything a chance and to make it work. And if you do everything right, even if it doesn’t work out, at least you won’t have any regrets and you can move on, learn from the mistakes and make it better.
What would you say to people who are in love with the sound of the engine roaring but are thinking to move into the E world?
The lack of noise is not a problem at all! After the first few kilometres you get used to it and actually like it and end up hating the noise coming from let’s say your V4 or V8 with the super engine.
How about the speed?
The speed is way better in electric cars! The fastest car in the world is an electric car! The biggest acceleration from 0 to 100 comes from an electric car. So the impression of speed is even bigger because since you don’t have the noise anymore (the noise is a sensation that you associate with speed) you have other senses that are enhanced. You feel your neck because of the G forces.
Nicki Shields
“Nicki Shields is a British television presenter best known as the Formula E pit lane reporter. A biological sciences graduate of the University of Bristol, she got a job for UBS which she left after one year to found the social media company Starcount.com. Shields began her presenting and reporting career in 2012 and her work has included the BBC One show Escape to the Country and Supercharged on CNN International.” (Wikipedia)
How did your passion for Motorsports begin and why?
Growing up in a house with petrol heads! My dad loves cars and motor racing. My mom’s fathers was a chauffeur and always drove a Rolls Royce – his absolute pride and joy! And on my father’s side, he owned a ridiculous collection of lovely cars.
I think it also came from watching F1 on Sundays with my dad. We went Go-karting together at races.
What’s the status of women in Motorsports?
It’s changing. More women are getting involved, but it’s happening slowly. However there are some amazing initiatives like the FIA Girls on track, encouraging more girls on the track. The shop window (drivers) is still men unfortunately, but behind the scenes there are very influential, impressive business women. Hopefully it’s slowly starting to change.
You have made it in a male dominated profession, congratulations! Over the years in Motorsports and especially Formula 1 there have been many figures with “egos” and arrogance to spare which have often helped the Sport making the headlines. Do you find this is also the case in F.E. or has the “politically correct” environmental mission changed the spirit of competition?
I treat everyone the same. I don’t treat the CEO of a company any different from the server in a restaurant.
But how do they treat you?
They treat me with respect. When I first arrived in Formula E, I had to earn respect. They wondered if I knew what I was talking about. I proved myself, that I understand cars, that I’m passionate about racing and understand it. Earning everyone’s respect is very important. You can’t just walk in expect to receive respect off the bat.
When it comes to the drivers, there aren’t that many Egos. I would say there are no big Egos. We haven’t let the championship to grow in that way. We don’t give in to all their needs. They have responsibilities and commitments and they have to do them.
We don’t put them on a pedestal and treat them like superheroes which can happen in F1.
In FE, there is an amazing family feeling. Everyone enjoys working together.
Will you take your baby boy to races?
I have no idea. I’m definitely not going to be a pushy parent. If he happens to be interested in racing then of course I will support it. Definitely he’ll be at races! The beautiful thing with Formula E is that it’s quiet so kids can come too.
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