*This content was translated by AI.
On the 14th (local time), Volkswagen unveiled 'Mission Efficiency,' an electric vehicle prototype with an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.158. This vehicle is a technology demonstration concept car that tested the limits of efficiency by applying aerodynamics and rolling resistance minimization technologies instead of using a large-capacity battery.
The powertrain utilizes next-generation MEB+ based Yangsan technology. It is equipped with an electric motor delivering 99 kW (135 horsepower) — the same as used in the ID. Polo — paired with a 54.9 kWh battery, and features front-wheel drive. Starting from Wolfsburg, Germany, it completed a total distance of 1,278.36 km to Vienna, Austria, via Poland and the Czech Republic on a single charge. The average power consumption, excluding charging losses, was 6.89 kWh/100 km, with 164 km of range remaining upon arrival. Under optimal driving conditions, it recorded 6.48 kWh/100 km.
The key to high efficiency lies in meticulous aerodynamic design. The frontal projected area was reduced to 2.08 m², and features such as active cooling flaps, rear wheel covers, a flat underbody, frameless windows, and flush door handles were applied. At speeds above 80 km/h, power consumption is more than 30% lower compared to the standard ID. Polo. Inside the wheels, 'rim deflectors' were installed to reduce air inflow, and ecocontact 7 tires co-developed with Continental lowered rolling resistance to as low as 4.9 kg per ton.
For the rear brakes, an electromechanical system was introduced for the first time to reduce friction losses and improve regenerative braking efficiency. Additionally, a solar power generation system with an output of 370 W was installed on the roof and trunk, securing up to 30 km of driving energy per day. Inside the cabin, mobile Bluetooth speakers were mounted in place of vehicle speakers, and the infotainment display was removed, replaced by smartphones or tablets, among other measures for thorough weight reduction.
This project demonstrated that it is possible to substantially extend the driving range of electric vehicles by moving away from reliance on large-capacity batteries and minimizing air resistance and energy losses. Meanwhile, Mission Efficiency also serves as the successor model to the XL1, which made a significant impact when it debuted in 2013.
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*This content was translated by AI.
