Volkswagen has unveiled the Mission Efficiency prototype, an electric vehicle designed for maximum energy performance. During a test drive from Wolfsburg to Vienna, the car covered 794 miles with a single charge, consuming 7.51 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles. The vehicle features a teardrop-shaped body with a drag coefficient of 0.158 and a frontal area of 2.08 square meters.
The prototype utilizes the motor and battery from the ID. Polo model. Its 54.9-kilowatt-hour battery provides an estimated range of over 400 miles. To improve aerodynamics, the design includes tight wheel arches and traditional side mirrors. The roof and trunk are equipped with solar cells, which can add up to 18 miles of range under optimal conditions.
The interior follows a minimalist approach, omitting built-in infotainment systems and speakers in favor of portable Bluetooth solutions, a concept inspired by Slate Auto. The vehicle is configured as a 2+2, with rear seats limited to passengers under 5 feet 3 inches tall. Volkswagen describes the car as a near-production prototype but has not confirmed plans for mass manufacturing.
The company previously released the XL1 halo car, which saw a limited production run of 250 units starting in 2013 with a price of €110 000. While the new prototype demonstrates high efficiency, the manufacturer has not provided a timeline or pricing for a potential commercial version.
