Volkswagen Mission Efficiency Concept revealed as world’s most economical near-production EV

KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off a new near-production electric car concept, the Mission Efficiency concept. Touted as the most efficient of its kind in the world, the EV is built on the MEB+ architecture with a front-wheel drivetrain and shows the potential of the new ID models.

Volkswagen developed the new concept to show how far efficiency can be pushed using technologies that could be used in the brand’s upcoming mass-production EVs.

Three world records 

The Volkswagen Mission Efficiency concept has set three world records - 

• Lowest drag coefficient for a road-approved vehicle, i.e. 0.158 Cd
• Lowest energy consumption on an ideal trip, recording an average driving consumption of 6.89 kW/100 km with no uphill gradients and auxiliary systems
• Most economical near-production e-vehicle ever built thanks to its aerodynamics and a highly efficient electric drive. During its officially documented test drive over a distance of 1,278.36 km, it averaged 6.89 kWh/100 km without charge losses.

Drivetrain borrowed from the ID. Polo

The concept vehicle is based on the MEB+ architecture that underpins the brand’s ID.Polo. It also borrows two key components from the electric hatchback - a 135-hp electric motor and a high-voltage battery, 

Kai Grünitz, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board and member of Technical Development,  said, "The new Mission Efficiency impressively demonstrates the huge potential of the drive system in our new ID. Polo. Developed for all MEB+ models with front-wheel drive, the system is extremely lightweight, very efficient and thus the ideal drive system for the record-breaking vehicle. It is also the result of the outstanding performance of the team in Wolfsburg, which developed the Mission Efficiency.”

Dimensions and practicality 

The Mission Efficiency measures 4,775 mm in length, 1,392 mm in height, and 1,744 mm in width. Compared to the ID. Polo, it is 722 mm longer, allowing the technical and design team to realise the teardrop shape of the body and the related pioneering aerodynamics.  It also features frameless windows, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, and door handles integrated into the outer skin for optimum airflow. 

The Mission Efficiency is a two-door coupé with a large boot lid, 2+2 seats, a variable luggage compartment (481 litres) and an additional stowage compartment under the rear seats.

Overall, the Volkswagen Mission Efficiency concept stands out with its record-setting aerodynamics and excellent power consumption, demonstrating the performance of the brand's production technology.

Also read: Volkswagen Tayron R-Line launched in Malaysia at RM 238,574