Volkswagen has previewed a new near-production vehicle concept, called the Mission Efficiency. Drawing design inspiration from its previous plug-in hybrid XL1, this model has a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.158, allowing it to achieve an average energy consumption of 6.89 kWh per 100 kilometres.
Volkswagen reveals ultra-efficient EV, and you might be able to buy one soon
That energy consumption figure is dramatically lower than a typical EV – the new Volkswagen ID. Polo, for example, manages around 14 kWh per 100 kilometres. The efficiency is coming directly from that radical body design too, rather than any new technology, as the Mission Efficiency shares the same front-wheel-drive MEB+ architecture that is also being deployed on the affordable ID. Polo and ID. Cross models. In fact, Volkswagen claims that the Mission Efficiency uses the same amount of energy travelling at a constant 140 km/h that an ID. Polo consumes at a significantly lower 100 km/h constant speed.
Volkswagen put the Mission Efficiency to the test in a 1,278 kilometre journey across Europe, where the vehicle achieved a consumption figure of 7.51 kWh per 100 kilometres including charging losses – dropping to 6.89 kWh per 100 kilometres with charging losses not included.
There’s no confirmation yet on whether the Mission Efficiency will come to market, other than Volkswagen noting that the vehicle is in ‘near-production’ form. The Volkswagen XL1 was the group’s last attempt at an ultra-efficient vehicle, and while that did make it to market, it was sold in extremely limited numbers – just 250 units were made, with a retail price well above $100,000.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen, commented:
“Mission Efficiency is the ideal way to demonstrate what distinguishes Volkswagen in the electric age: technology for the masses – not just for the few. 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. Developed in Wolfsburg and built by Kai Grünitz and his team, the Mission Efficiency is a symbol of German engineering expertise with clear customer benefits.”
