DS Automobiles has confirmed the specification and pricing of its first electric vehicle (EV) - the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense.

5 DS 3 Crossback

The PSA Group brand's franchised dealers can accept pre-orders for the zero-emission compact SUV now, with pricing from £32,350 (including Government grant).

Formal ordering will commence later in the year, with first deliveries in January 2020.

It is available in the higher Prestige and Ultra Prestige trim lines only. In Prestige trim, the E-Tense is less than £4,500 more than the equivalent petrol version. The Ultra Prestige costs £35,350.

The DS 3 Crossback E-Tense has a 200-mile range (WLTP) from its 50kWh battery, which is built into the car’s floor.

It can charge to 80% in just 30 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger.

Designed from the ground up for electrification, the electric DS 3 Crossback provides the same interior space, boot volume and equipment as the petrol and diesel versions.

There is little to differentiate the models, other than discreet badging and the lack of an exhaust tailpipe.

The electric motor develops 136PS, giving a 0-60mph acceleration time of 8.7 seconds.

A mobile app gives drivers access to the battery range, charging settings and climate control.

From this year, all DS models will be offered with either an electric or plug-in hybrid versions. The next model to launch will be the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense, which uses a petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain.