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Continental has updated its 48-volt hybrid technology, which can now support pure-electric driving up to 80km/h.

The technology was previously in the realm of 'mild-hybrid' tech, capable of cutting fuel consumption by harvesting energy under braking and assisting the internal-combustion engine under heavy acceleration.

It also opened the door for more sophisticated start/stop systems, and coasting with the engine turned off.

Thanks to an update, the system now has 30kW of power – double the original – and allows vehicles to operate at 80km/h without any internal combustion interference.

The electric motor is water-cooled, and sits between the internal-combustion engine and transmission, where it was previously mounted on the front of the engine.

Because they electric system operates at 48V, it's significantly cheaper to homologate in line with safety standards than 600V plug-in systems.

Continental hasn't revealed exactly how much fuel the system is expected to save, but a compact hatch could see up to 20 per cent drop in fuel consumption.

It should also help cut emissions, both on the move and on startup, where the system is able to heat the catalytic converter faster than would otherwise have been possible.