TECHNICAL updates to the Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge pure electric models have delivered improvements in driving range and energy efficiency.

Homologated performance figures just released for the revised cars show increases of up to 64 miles in the distance that can be covered on a full charge, which now stand at up to 342 miles for the C40 crossover and 334 miles for the XC40 SUV. This equates to an improvement of up to 24 per cent on the figures of the outgoing models.

Energy efficiency has also improved, with the most efficient C40 and XC40 versions now capable of up to 3.7 miles per kWh.

The gains have been achieved through a combination of enhancements, including a switch from front- to rear-wheel drive for the single-motor Recharge versions of both models, and the adoption of a second-generation permanent magnet electric motor.

The e-motor is more powerful than the one in the outgoing car - offering 238hp, up from 231hp - plus it is the first e-motor to be developed in-house at Volvo Cars. Battery performance has also been improved thanks to enhancements to cooling efficiency.

Where the dual-motor C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin are concerned, there is the further benefit of increased battery capacity to a nominal 82kWh (79kWh usable capacity), up from 78kWh (75kWh usable) in the outgoing versions.

Both the C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin also adopt different front and rear e-motors, with 150hp and 258hp respectively, in place of the 204hp units previously used on both axles.

The total power output remains the same as before, at 408hp.

There is also an increase in charging rates from a maximum of 150kW to 200kW which translates into a nine-minute reduction in the 10 to 80 per cent recharging time, which drops to just 28 minutes when using a 200kW DC rapid-charging system.

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."

The new homologated WLTP driving ranges are: 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)

The updated C40 and XC40 Recharge models are available to order now, with the first UK deliveries expected in the second half of the year. Prices start from £46,505 for the XC40 Recharge and £48,355 for the C40 model.