Volkswagen has unveiled its Mission Efficiency concept, showcasing how far it can push electric vehicle efficiency without compromising everyday practicality. The concept combines an extremely aerodynamic design with a relatively small battery and lightweight construction, while retaining a usable cabin and boot.
The Mission Efficiency has a claimed drag coefficient of just 0.158 Cd, making it one of Volkswagen’s most aerodynamically efficient road-going vehicles. Its streamlined longtail silhouette has been designed to minimise aerodynamic resistance, while the overall vehicle uses lightweight components and efficiency-focused technology.
Power comes from a 135 bhp electric motor driving the front wheels, drawing energy from a 54.9kWh battery. Volkswagen claims an average energy consumption of just 6.89kWh/100km, increasing to 7.51kWh/100km when charging losses are taken into account.
The concept has also demonstrated its efficiency in a long-distance endurance run. Volkswagen drove it from Wolfsburg to Vienna, covering 1,278.36km with just one charging stop. It reportedly reached Vienna with around 164km of range remaining.
Despite its focus on efficiency, Volkswagen has attempted to retain the practicality expected from a conventional passenger car. The Mission Efficiency features a 2+2 seating layout and offers 481 litres of boot space. It also gets a solar roof, which can contribute up to around 30km of additional range per day under suitable conditions.
The concept is based on Volkswagen’s MEB+ architecture and incorporates technology that the company says is close to production. It also previews a different approach to the interior, with the infotainment system designed to work with the user’s smartphone or tablet instead of relying entirely on a conventional built-in display.
The Mission Efficiency is not intended for production, but it demonstrates Volkswagen’s approach to improving EV efficiency by addressing every aspect of the vehicle, from aerodynamics and weight to the electric drivetrain and energy management.
With the concept, Volkswagen is essentially exploring whether an EV can deliver exceptional range without simply fitting a much larger battery. Instead, the focus is on reducing the amount of energy required to move the car in the first place.
