Volkswagen’s Mission Efficiency is a modern-day XL1 for the electric age

Volkswagen has channelled the spirit of its ultra-efficient XL1 with the new Mission Efficiency, an electric prototype designed to demonstrate efficiency technologies intended for its next generation of EVs.

The resemblance to the XL1, unveiled in 2013 as a plug-in hybrid designed to travel 100km on less than one litre of diesel, is hard to miss. But while the XL1 relied on a small diesel-electric powertrain, the Mission Efficiency is powered entirely by electricity and uses production technology sourced from Volkswagen’s forthcoming ID. Polo.

The prototype has achieved three claimed world records, including a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.158. Volkswagen claims this makes it the most aerodynamically efficient road-legal car.

It also recorded energy consumption of 6.48kWh/100km during an “ideal trip” test, conducted at a constant 68km/h on a level surface with auxiliary systems such as the air conditioning switched off.

More relevant to real-world driving was a 1,278.36km journey from Volkswagen’s development centre in Wolfsburg, Germany, to Vienna, Austria, via Poznań in Poland and Olmütz in the Czech Republic.

The Mission Efficiency averaged 7.51kWh/100km over the journey, including charging losses, or 6.89kWh/100km without them. The route was completed at an average speed of 67.72km/h, with a maximum speed of 138km/h.

Its 54.9kWh net battery was recharged only once during the trip. On arrival in Vienna, the car still had a claimed remaining range of 164km.

Despite its low energy consumption, Volkswagen says the Mission Efficiency uses technology derived from its upcoming production models.

Its 99kW electric motor and high-voltage battery are derived from the upcoming ID. Polo. The motor is mounted at the front and is intended for use in Volkswagen’s MEB+ platform-based electric cars with front-wheel drive.

Volkswagen says the motor’s low weight and efficiency are key contributors to the prototype’s energy consumption, with much of the remaining efficiency coming from its aerodynamic design.

The company says that above 80km/h, the Mission Efficiency uses more than 30% less energy than the standard ID. Polo. At 140km/h, it claims the prototype requires roughly the same amount of energy as an ID. Polo travelling at 100km/h.

Measuring 4,775mm long and just 1,392mm high, the Mission Efficiency is a low-slung 2+2 coupé with 481l of luggage space.

Its 0.158 Cd figure is achieved through a combination of a teardrop-shaped body, a relatively small frontal area of 2.08m², active cooling air flaps, covered rear wheels and a fully enclosed underbody.

While it lacks the dramatic butterfly doors used on the XL1, the Mission Efficiency has frameless windows and door handles integrated into the bodywork to minimise disruption to airflow.