Volkswagen has used a record-breaking EV prototype to showcase the technology underpinning its new ID Polo and future volume models.
The Mission Efficiency prototype achieved claimed consumption of 9.6 miles per kWh during an idealised test, alongside a 794-mile road journey averaging 9 miles per kWh.
Although the concept is not intended for production, its 99kW electric motor, battery technology and front-wheel-drive MEB+ platform are derived from systems developed for the new Volkswagen ID Polo and ID Cross.
The project offers an indication of the efficiency gains Volkswagen believes can be transferred into its next generation of electric cars.
This will be particularly important for the ID Polo, which is expected to become a major volume model as Volkswagen seeks to defend its European market share against established manufacturers and growing competition from Chinese brands.
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Prototype tests production technology
Volkswagen said the Mission Efficiency prototype achieved an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.158, which it claims is a record for a road-approved car.
Its consumption of 9.6 miles per kWh was recorded at a constant 42mph with the air conditioning and other ancillary systems switched off. The test route also contained no uphill sections.
During a separate 794-mile journey from Wolfsburg to Vienna, the prototype averaged 9 miles per kWh, excluding charging losses.
Consumption including charging losses was 8.3 miles per kWh. The vehicle completed the journey at an average speed of 42mph and reached a maximum speed of 86mph.
Its 54.9kWh battery was charged once and had 102 miles of indicated range remaining on arrival in Vienna.
Thomas Schäfer, chief executive of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, said: “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.”
Volkswagen also worked with Continental to develop tyres based on the EcoContact 7. Their rolling resistance is claimed to be 25% below the threshold required for the EU’s highest A rating.
The records were assessed by the Record Institute for Germany in the category for near-production, four-seat electric vehicles suitable for everyday use.
The MEB+ architecture will be shared across Volkswagen Group’s volume brands as part of its strategy to reduce development and production costs while accelerating the launch of more affordable electric cars.