Volkswagen has broken multiple electric vehicle efficiency records with a new concept car that demonstrates the potential for its production technology.

Volkswagen Mission Efficiency

The Mission Efficiency prototype uses large-scale production technology and pioneering new systems to set three new records.

First up, the concept has achieved a record-breaking drag coefficient of 0.158 Cd, making the Mission Efficiency the most aerodynamic road-approved car ever built. Featuring a flow-optimised teardrop silhouette, a small frontal area, active cooling flaps and a fully clad underbody, the vehicle keeps resistance as low as possible. The result is a streamlined coupé that from speeds above 80km/h (50mph) boasts consumption that’s more than 30% lower than in the standard version of the ID. Polo. At 140km/h (87mph), the Mission Efficiency requires about as much energy as the ID. Polo at 100km/h.

Next, the concept car secured its second world record during an ‘ideal trip’ test, clocking a constant-speed consumption of just 6.48kWh/100km with peripheral systems such as air conditioning deactivated.

To prove how this translates to the real world, the Mission Efficiency then completed an officially documented 1,278km (794-mile) road trip from Wolfsburg to Vienna, via Poland and the Czech Republic. Driven at an average speed of 67.72km/h (42mph) and reaching a top speed of 138km/h (86mph), the vehicle was only charged once during the journey. It arrived in Vienna with 164km of range remaining, achieving a real-world consumption of 6.89kWh/100km (7.51kWh/100km including charging losses).

Finally, its third world record cements the Mission Efficiency as the most economical near-production electric car in its class, as certified by the Record Institute for Germany (RID).

Built on VW’s MEB+ platform, it adopts the 135hp motor and battery from the ID. Polo, with a software adaptation that unlocks a higher usable capacity of 54.9kWh for the record-breaking run.

The concept channels the spirit of the Volkswagen XL1 limited-run plug-in hybrid two-seater, which earned the title of the most economical production car in the world in 2013.

Measuring 4,775mm long and 1,392mm tall, the Mission Efficiency coupé features a 2+2 seating layout and a 481-litre boot. It’s designed with clever storage spaces under the rear seats and within the body sides to accommodate everyday items and charging cables. While the front cabin offers unrestricted space, the two rear seats are optimised for passengers up to 1.6m tall, tailoring usage to a young family of four. To keep weight to a minimum, the chassis blends standard ID. Polo components with a self-supporting aluminium structure and high-strength carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites.

It’s equipped with pioneering new technologies to eke out efficiency. These include a solar roof with an integrated 370W photovoltaic system that generates up to 30km (18 miles) of bonus range per day to support the vehicle’s onboard electrical system, along with patented rim deflectors on the inside of the wheels to prevent air from entering and causing aerodynamic turbulence. The Mission Efficiency also features ultra-low resistance tyres.

The custom Continental EcoContact concept tyres reduce rolling resistance to 25% below the EU’s highest ‘Class A’ threshold. The Mission Efficiency even replaces a traditional sound system with a portable Bluetooth speaker to save weight and reduce electrical complexity.

Volkswagen said Mission Efficiency shows just how much influence aerodynamics have on the energy consumption and range of electric cars.

While the prototype itself is a concept not destined for showrooms, Volkswagen confirms that the aerodynamic and structural lessons proved by the Mission Efficiency will directly shape the brand’s next generation of mass-market electric vehicles.

Kai Grünitz, board member technical development, Volkswagen Brand and Brand Group Core, 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.”