Volvo UK Increases Range & Efficiency For C40 & XC40 Recharge Models
Volvo UK recently announced some upgrades on two of its popular models in the UK. The driving range and energy efficiency of the fully electric Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge models have increased above early expectations thanks to technical updates.
The distance that can be covered on a full charge has increased by up to 64 miles (103 km) for the upgraded cars, to 342 miles (550 km) for the Volvo C40 crossover and 334 miles (538 km) for the Volvo XC40 SUV, according to homologated performance numbers that were just announced. This is equivalent to a 24% rise in performance from the numbers of the previous models.
The most energy-efficient Volvo C40 and XC40 variants can now go up to 3.7 miles per kWh, another energy efficiency improvement.
The improvements were made through a variety of changes, such as adopting a second-generation permanent magnet electric motor and switching the single-motor Recharge versions of both models from front- to rear-wheel drive. Its e-motor has 238 horsepower, an increase from the 231 horsepower it had in the previous vehicle, and it is also the first e-motor that Volvo Cars UK created internally. The cooling effectiveness has been enhanced, which has also resulted in better battery performance.
The dual-motor C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin models have an additional advantage in that their battery capacity has increased to a nominal 82 kWh (79 kWh usable capacity), up from 78 kWh (75 kWh usable) in the previous versions. In addition, instead of the 204 hp units that were previously utilized on both axles, the C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin models both employ new front and rear e-motors with 150 hp and 258 hp, respectively. 408 horsepower is still the maximum output, as before.
For the Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin all-wheel-drive versions, customers benefit from the ease of quicker recharge periods. The time needed to recharge the vehicles from 10 to 80% is reduced to just 28 minutes when using a 200kW DC rapid-charging system, which is equivalent to an increase in their maximum charging rate from 150kW to 200kW.
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “These results are independent validation of the constant efforts we are making to deliver the best possible balance of performance and efficiency. In addition to being committed to offering a fully electric car line-up by 2030, we are also determined to develop and refine the technologies in our existing pure electric models to ensure our customers can benefit from real-world performance that meets their needs.”
Comparative data — homologated WLTP driving range
- C40 Recharge — up to 297 miles (previously up to 272 miles)
- C40 Recharge Twin — up to 342 miles (previously up to 278 miles)
- XC40 Recharge — up to 290 miles (previously up to 264 miles)
- XC40 Recharge Twin — up to 334 miles (previously up to 270 miles)
Comparative data — efficiency
- C40 Recharge — up to 3.7 miles/kWh (previously up to 3.5 miles/kWh)
- C40 Recharge Twin — up to 3.5 miles/kWh (previously up to 3.1 miles/kWh)
- XC40 Recharge — up to 3.7 miles/kWh (previously up to 3.4 miles/kWh)
- XC40 Recharge Twin — up to 3.5 miles/kWh (previously up to 3.0 miles/kWh)
First UK deliveries of the revised C40 and XC40 Recharge models are anticipated for the second half of the year. Although, orders may be placed now. The Volvo C40 is already one of the better BEVs for family trips and taking holidays. Now, with the extended range and efficiency, it just got a little better.
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