The Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge will both have their range boosted by nearly a quarter as part of a comprehensive update that includes reworking of their powertrains.
The electric version of the popular XC40 SUV was the Swedish firm’s first electric model when it launched in 2020, and was followed by the closely related C40 Recharge coupe-SUV. At present, both models are offered with a choice of two powertrains: a front-mounted single-motor and a twin-motor all-wheel-drive version.
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But they will now be substantially upgrades with a new, mot powerful, second-generation motor, and a larger battery that Volvo claims is more efficient due to better cooling. Most substantially, the motor in the single-motor versions has been switched from the front to the rear axle, making both machines rear-wheel-drive.
The changes have had a marked impact on the official WLTP range of both models. The single-motor XC40 Recharge now achieves 290 miles, up from 264, with the C40 Recharge version rising to 297 from 272.
The XC40 Recharge Twin’s range has risen from 270 to 334 miles, with the C40 Recharge improving from 278 to a substantial 342 miles.
The new powertrains also mean the models get more power, as well. The Twin models previously featured 150kW motors on each axle with a combined total output of 300kW. But they now use a 112kW unit on the front and a 192kW unit on the rear, giving a combined 304kW.
The Twin models also feature a slightly larger battery with an 82kWh unit (with 79kWh usable) replacing the previous 78kWh (75kWh usable) version.
The single-motor cars also get more power, with a 177kW motor replacing the previous 172kW version.
While the machines offer more power, the extra rangers comes from the motors being more efficienct, and what Volvo says is improved cooling for the batteries. The firm says the single-motor XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge now achieve 3.7mpkWh, up from 3.4 and 3.5mpkWh respectively. The Twin versions of both models achieve 3.5mpkWh, up from 3.0 and 3.1mpkWh respectively.
The updates XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge models are available to order now, with UK deliveries expected in the second half of this year. Prices start from £46,505 for the XC40 Recharge and £48,355 for the C40 Recharge.
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