Mission Efficiency: Volkswagen Unveils World’s Most Efficient Near-production Electric Car

Volkswagen has unveiled the Mission Efficiency, a 4-seater coupé prototype that it calls the “world’s most efficient near-production electric car”. Produced using affordable mass-market technology, the Mission Efficiency uses parts from the ID. Polo and ID. Cross.

The sleek 2+2 electric coupé takes its inspiration from Volkswagen’s legendary XL1 (VW 1-litre), a diesel-powered car specially designed to use less than 1 litre of diesel fuel for every 100 km travelled, making it the world’s most economical production car when it was introduced in 2013.

Designed to show how far efficiency can be pushed using technology intended for mass production, Volkswagen says the prototype has already set three world records, including a record-low drag coefficient of 0.158.

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The prototype also recorded an average energy consumption of just 6.89 kWh/100 km at a constant speed of 68 km/h (excluding charging losses) while covering a record-breaking 1,278.36 km (794.3 miles) from Wolfsburg to Vienna during a real-world test.

When the car arrived in Vienna, its 54.9 kWh battery still had an estimated 164 km (102 miles) of range remaining, despite completing the route at an average speed of 67.72 km/h (42 mph) and a top speed of 138 km/h (85.7 mph).

Additional storage space behind the rear wheel cover.

Much of the achievement comes from the car’s teardrop-shaped body, MacPherson front axle, active cooling flaps, patented rim deflectors, flush door handles and frameless windows, all designed to further improve airflow.

The Mission Efficiency uses Volkswagen’s MEB+ architecture and a 99 kW (135 PS) electric motor derived from the ID. Polo. Additionally, a solar roof and solar cells in the rear window provide additional electricity for the vehicle’s onboard electrical systems.

Inside, it offers four seats in a 2+2 configuration and 481 litres of luggage space, with additional storage space beneath the rear seats. To further reduce weight, a mobile Bluetooth box replaces the speaker system, while a smartphone or tablet takes the place of the infotainment system display.

“Rather than using specialist technology, the vehicle set its three world records using affordable production technology from the ID. Polo and ID. Cross, based on the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive. This shows how much potential efficiency we can add to the latest generation of our electric cars,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.

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