Volkswagen has presented the world’s most efficient near-production electric car, which already has a handful of records to its name.
The German manufacturer has unveiled the Mission Efficiency model to demonstrate its impressive electric technology and push the limits of EV motoring even further.
During testing, the electric car recorded a consumption rate of 6.48 kWh/100 km during a so-called “ideal trip”, during which the speed remains constant – 68km/h in this case.
This “ideal trip” includes no uphill slopes, while peripheral features, including the air conditioning system, are deactivated.
The Mission Efficiency is also the most economical near-production electric car in its class, based on its aerodynamics and a highly efficient electric drive from the ID. Polo.
A documented consumption test drive saw the EV drive 1,278km from VW’s German Development Centre in Wolfsburg via Poznań, Olmütz and Vienna.
The Mission Efficiency achieved real consumption of 7.51kWh/100km including charging losses, and 6.89kWh/100km without charging losses.
It maintained an average speed of 67.72km/h, and achieved a top speed of 138km/h, all while only stopping once to charge.
Volkswagen has unveiled the world’s most efficient near-production electric car
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VOLKSWAGEN
The Mission Efficiency concept car has several design features to ensure that it is as aerodynamic and efficient as possible.
This includes a unique teardrop shape, frameless windows, integrated door handles, active cooling air flaps and a fully clad underbody.
Given the aerodynamic enhancements, consumption is over 30 per cent lower on the Mission Efficiency model than the standard ID. Polo when travelling at more than 80km/h.
Even when travelling at 140km/h, the Mission Efficiency requires as much energy as the ID. Polo at 100km/h.
Several aerodynamic features were included to improve the efficiency of the EV
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VOLKSWAGEN
Commenting on the impressive milestone, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen, said electric technology was “for the masses – not just for the few”.
He added: “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.”
The vehicle featured a solar power system integrated into the glass roof and boot lid, with a photovoltaic system providing a power output of 370 watts.
The Volkswagen Mission Efficiency contains solar panels to further improve range
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VOLKSWAGEN
Depending on the season, region and weather, the range of the electric vehicle could be boosted by up to 30km per day.
Mr Schäfer said the Mission Efficiency model was “a symbol of German engineering expertise with clear customer benefits”.
This was echoed by Kai Grünitz, Board Member for Technical Development, who said: “The Wolfsburg team behind the Mission Efficiency has achieved something outstanding: on the one hand, the crew has proved that Volkswagen is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the area of aerodynamics.
“On the other hand, they are also showing that you can build the most efficient car in the world using affordable, large-scale production technology.”