Volkswagen revealed the Mission Efficiency on Monday, the 14th, in Wolfsburg. This prototype is defined by the automaker as the most efficient near-production electric vehicle on the planet. The model achieved three world records, certified by the Record Institute Germany (RID), specifically in the category of four-seater electric vehicles close to series production.
One notable achievement is the aerodynamic record, reaching a drag coefficient of 0.158. This value is unprecedented among vehicles approved for public road use and was achieved with a frontal area of only 2.08 m². Another record was set in an ideal consumption test, conducted at a constant speed of 68 km/h, without inclines and with the air conditioning off, where the prototype registered a consumption of 6.48 kWh/100 km.
The third record relates to the average consumption under real driving conditions, which was 6.89 kWh/100 km. This data was obtained during a documented trip of 1,278.36 km, traveled between the brand's development center in Wolfsburg and Vienna, passing through Poznań, Poland, and Olomouc, Czech Republic. Considering recharging losses, the consumption increased to 7.51 kWh/100 km.
With a net battery capacity of 54.9 kWh, the vehicle was charged only once and completed the journey arriving at its destination with 164 km of remaining range. The teardrop body design optimizes aerodynamics, complemented by active cooling fins, covered rear wheels, and a fully enclosed floor. Furthermore, the windows are frameless and the door handles are integrated into the body.
The efficiency gains are noticeable at different speeds: above 80 km/h, consumption is more than 30% lower than that of the series ID. Polo. At a speed of 140 km/h, the prototype consumes energy practically equivalent to that used by the hatchback at 100 km/h.
Wheels contribute up to 30% to aerodynamic resistance, and Volkswagen implemented patented deflectors inside all rims to control turbulence. The tires, developed in partnership with Continental based on the EcoContact 7, have a rolling resistance of 4.9 kg per ton, which is about 25% below the maximum limit of the best European rating.
The glass roof and trunk lid incorporate 370 W photovoltaic cells, which supply energy to the internal electrical network and can add up to 30 km of daily range. On the rear axle, the prototype uses an electromechanical brake, developed with AUMOVIO, which helps reduce friction and improve energy regeneration.
Internally, the priority given to lightness resulted in the elimination of the multimedia system; the driver can use their own cell phone or tablet, and portable speakers via Bluetooth replace the original speakers. The coupe has dimensions of 4.78 m in length by 1.39 m in height, accommodates two occupants in the front and two in the back, and offers 481 liters of trunk space.
The electrical system is identical to that of the ID. Polo, featuring a 99 kW, or 135 hp, motor positioned on the front axle, on the MEB+ platform. According to Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's design director, the silhouette resembles the XL1, a 2013 plug-in hybrid that was the most economical production vehicle in the world. Although the Mission Efficiency is certified for circulation in the European Union, it will not be put on sale.
