On May 8, during the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the Paris Armistice ceremony in the newly unveiled Presidential DS No.8, the first fully electric official state vehicle ever used by a head of state in the French Republic.
Crafted by DS Automobiles, the Presidential DS No.8 is the brand’s new electric flagship model.
This custom-built, armoured vehicle was specially modified for the Presidency of the Republic and features a distinctive Sapphire Blue exterior with black-painted quarter panels and an illuminated grille showcasing the Tricolore – red, white, and blue – of the French national flag.
Additional presidential touches include flag mounts and subtle Tricolore badges around the bodywork.
Inside, the cabin reflects the luxury and craftsmanship expected of a state vehicle. It is trimmed with premium textiles from renowned French artisans including Ateliers Lison de Caunes, Métaphores, and Atelier Lognon, showcasing a commitment to local expertise and high-quality materials — far removed from conventional plastics.
The DS No.8 is powered by an ACC electric battery capable of delivering up to 750 km of range. It can travel over 500 km on motorways without recharging and regain 200 km of range in just 10 minutes using fast-charging technology.
President Macron has a history with DS vehicles. At his inauguration in 2017, he rode in a customized DS 7 Crossback, and in 2021, the DS 7 Élysée – a 300-horsepower E-Tense plug-in hybrid – was added to the official presidential fleet.
Commenting on the occasion, Xavier Peugeot, CEO of DS Automobiles, said:
“Presidential DS No.8, unveiled on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, continues the tradition of exclusive DS models embraced by the Presidency for nearly 70 years.
Like the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games that bridges history and modernity, the No.8 blends exceptional French craftsmanship with cutting-edge electric innovation — a true symbol of excellence.”
