Volkswagen is giving its dealer partners an indication of how future electric cars could offer greater range and lower running costs without relying on increasingly large and expensive batteries.
Its new Mission Efficiency prototype combines a 54.9kWh battery and 99kW electric motor derived from the forthcoming ID. Polo with extensive aerodynamic, braking and weight-saving measures.
Volkswagen claims the road-approved car has already set three records, including a drag coefficient of 0.158 and energy consumption of 6.48kWh per 100km under tightly controlled conditions.
However, the Mission Efficiency is a concept vehicle and is not being offered for sale. Volkswagen has not confirmed which of its more specialised features will reach production cars or provided a timetable for their introduction.
The relevance for dealers lies in the potential to improve the customer proposition around electric cars. Using less energy can increase usable range, reduce charging costs and allow manufacturers to achieve those gains without adding battery capacity, weight and cost.
How aerodynamics cuts EV use
During an officially documented 1,278.36km journey from Wolfsburg to Vienna, the Mission Efficiency recorded consumption of 6.89kWh per 100km excluding charging losses and 7.51kWh including those losses.
The car averaged 67.72km/h, equivalent to 42.1mph, and reached a maximum speed of 138km/h, or 85.7mph. Its battery was charged once during the journey and it arrived in Vienna with a claimed 164km, or almost 102 miles, of range remaining.
At the recorded consumption figure, the battery’s 54.9kWh usable capacity would mathematically provide almost 500 miles of range before charging losses.
That should not be treated as an official range figure, however, because the journey was conducted at a relatively low average speed and was not a WLTP test.
Volkswagen’s separate 6.48kWh per 100km record was achieved during what it calls an “ideal trip”. The car travelled at a constant 68km/h without gradients, while equipment including the air conditioning was switched off.
The prototype’s teardrop profile, small frontal area, active cooling flaps, covered rear wheels and fully enclosed underbody are central to its performance. Frameless windows and door handles integrated into the body also help reduce turbulence.
Volkswagen said the changes cut consumption by more than 30% compared with the standard ID. Polo at speeds above 80km/h. At 140km/h, the prototype reportedly uses about the same amount of energy as the ID. Polo travelling at 100km/h.
The Mission Efficiency measures 4,775mm long and 1,392mm tall. It has a 2+2 seating layout and 481 litres of luggage capacity, although its rear seats are intended for passengers no taller than approximately 1.60 metres.
Which technology may reach cars?
The prototype is based on Volkswagen’s front-wheel-drive MEB+ architecture, which will also underpin the ID. Polo and ID. Cross. Its electric motor and high-voltage battery are production-derived components rather than specialist record-breaking hardware.
Volkswagen brand chief executive Thomas Schäfer said: “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.”
Some elements remain less obviously suited to an affordable volume-production car. The body combines ID. Polo components with a self-supporting aluminium structure and parts made from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer and aramid composite.
Other developments could offer clearer production potential. Volkswagen and AUMOVIO have created an electromechanical rear brake which reduces friction losses, removes some hydraulic lines and brake fluid and supports variable brake force distribution. AUMOVIO also supplies the ID. Polo’s braking system.
Volkswagen worked with Continental on concept tyres based on its EcoContact 7 range. Their rolling resistance of 4.9kg per tonne is claimed to be around 25% below the threshold for the EU’s highest tyre efficiency rating.
The wheels have patented internal rim deflectors to prevent air entering the rims and creating turbulence. Volkswagen said wheels can account for between 25% and 30% of a car’s aerodynamic resistance.
A 370W photovoltaic system integrated into the glass roof and boot lid supplies energy to the car’s electrical equipment. Volkswagen estimates it could add up to 30km of usable range a day, depending on the weather, season and location.
The interior also reduces weight by replacing a conventional infotainment display with the driver’s smartphone or tablet while a portable Bluetooth unit takes the place of a permanently installed speaker system.
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