Volkswagen has revealed what it says is the world’s most efficient near-production electric car with its new Mission Efficiency concept. The prototype, which has set three world records for “near-production four-seater electric vehicle suitable for everyday use” according to the Record Institute for Germany (RID), for aerodynamics and ideal and real fuel consumption, is meant to demonstrate Volkswagen production technology. The prototype has received EU road approval and meets the corresponding safety, strength, and crash requirements.

“Mission Efficiency is the ideal way to demonstrate what distinguishes Volkswagen in the electric age—technology for the masses, not just for the few,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, and Head of the Brand Group Core and member of the Group Board of Management. “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.”

The vehicle achieves a record-setting aerodynamic Cd (coefficient of drag) value of 0.158—a new record for road-approved cars. Its consumption of 6.48 kW·h/100 km is a record for an “ideal trip,” during which speed remains constant at 68 km/h (42 mph) with no uphill slopes and peripheral consumers such as air conditioning. Thanks to its aerodynamics and a highly efficient electric drive from the ID. Polo, the concept is also the most economical near-production electric car in its class.

On an officially documented consumption test drive over a 1278-km (794-mi) distance from Volkswagen’s German Development Centre in Wolfsburg, via Poznań, Poland, and Olmütz, Czech Republic, to Vienna, Austria, the concept achieved consumption of 7.51 kW·h/100 km including charging losses and 6.89 kW·h/100 km without. The route was completed with an average speed of 67.72 km/h (42.08 mph) and a top speed of 138 km/h (86 mph). The 54.9-kW·h net battery was only charged once during the journey and, on arrival in Vienna, it had 164 km (102 mi) of remaining charge.

Two main subsystems adopted from series production are the 99-kW electric motor and the high-voltage battery. The APP290 front e-drive produces 99 kW and 264 N·m (lb·ft) for 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 9 s and a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). The 54.9-kW·h NMC battery pack provides a maximum range of 654 km (406 mi). DC charging capacity is up to 105 kW.

“The new Mission Efficiency impressively demonstrates the incredible potential of the drive system in our new ID. Polo,” said Grünitz, Board Member for Technical Development, Volkswagen Brand, and Brand Group Core. “Developed for all models based on MEB+ with front-wheel drive, the system is extremely light, very efficient, and thus the ideal drive system for our record-breaking vehicle.”

He said that the Wolfsburg team behind the concept has proved that Volkswagen is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the area of aerodynamics and that the most efficient car in the world can be built using affordable, large-scale production technology.

 

0.158 drag coefficient

The ground-breaking low air resistance, a result of the low 0.158 drag coefficient and small 2.08-m2 (22.4-ft²) frontal area, is the Mission Efficiency’s “central aerodynamic feature.” Key highlights are a flow-optimized teardrop shape, active cooling air flaps, clad rear wheels, and a fully clad underbody. The doors feature frameless windows, and the door handles are integrated into the outer skin for optimum airflow.

The overall concept is said to be especially beneficial at higher speeds. Compared to the standard ID. Polo, consumption above 80 km/h (50 mph) is more than 30% less and, at 140 km/h (87 mph), the Mission Efficiency requires about as much energy as the ID. Polo at 100 km/h (62 mph). WLTP consumption is 8.4 kW·h/100 km.

“With its front end, the Mission Efficiency slots into our new family of electric vehicles, which also includes the ID. Polo and ID. Cross,” said Andreas Mindt, Chief Designer at Volkswagen. “The shape of the body itself is committed fully to functionality and thus the laws of aerodynamics. This has resulted in a state-of-the-art, efficient sports car in which the DNA of the legendary Volkswagen XL1 shines through.”

Presented in 2013 and fitted with a plug-in hybrid drive, the XL1 was the most economical production car in the world at that time.

 

2+2 for young family of four

The Mission Efficiency was designed to theoretically be used by a young family of four. At 4775 mm (188.0 in) long, 1744 mm (68.7 in) wide, and 1392 mm (54.8 in) tall, on a 2700-mm (106.3-in) wheelbase, it offers 2+2 seating and 481 L (17.0 ft³) luggage compartment capacity. Additional stowage compartments under the rear seats and in the sides of the body create space for everyday items and the charging cable.

While the front row can be used “without restriction,” the rear seat row is intended for passengers up to a height of about 1.60 m (5 ft, 3 in). Low weight is enabled by lightweight interior panels, a mobile Bluetooth box replacement for a speaker system, and a “bring your own device” concept with a smartphone or tablet taking on infotainment display duties.

A 370-W photovoltaic system integrated into the glass roof and trunk lid supplies power to the onboard electrical-system consumers. Depending on the season, region, and weather, it can increase range by up to 30 km (19 mi) per day.

With a self-supporting aluminum structure, the body combines components from the ID. Polo and others are made of high-strength CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer) and aramid composite.

 

Chassis help from Aumovio and Conti

For the chassis, the Mission Efficiency uses a MacPherson front axle and hydraulic brakes from the ID. Polo. An electromechanical brake is used in the rear, reducing friction losses, saving on lines and brake fluid, and supporting variable brake-force distribution.

The setup is said to not only improve recuperation but also increase stability while cornering. It was developed with Aumovio, which also supplies the ID. Polo brake system.

The wheel and tire integration is also interesting.

Because the wheels are responsible for 25% to 30% of the aerodynamic resistance, they were a focus of development efforts. Up front, the wheel arch was shaped closely around the tire to reduce wheel-house turbulence. New, patented deflectors on the inside of all wheels prevent air from entering the rims and causing turbulence. On wheel outsides, flat, flow-optimized covers contribute to aerodynamics.

An optimized tire helps reduce fuel consumption and increase vehicle range. Volkswagen worked with Continental to develop an EcoContact 7-based concept tire with optimized sidewall and tread compound to minimize rolling energy losses. The result is an 18-in tire with a 4.9-kg/t rolling resistance, which is about 25% below the threshold for the EU’s best tire label, Class A.