The story

Volkswagen unveiled the Mission Efficiency, a near-production electric vehicle prototype built on the company's MEB+ platform with components from the upcoming ID. Polo and ID. Cross models. The vehicle claims three world records certified by Germany's Record Institute: a drag coefficient of 0.158, energy consumption of 6.48 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers during constant-speed testing at 68 kilometers per hour on flat terrain with features like air conditioning deactivated, and status as the most economical near-production electric car in its class.

Volkswagen drove the prototype 1,278.36 kilometers from Wolfsburg to Vienna on a single charge of its 54.9 kilowatt-hour battery, arriving with 164 kilometers of range remaining. The trip used 6.89 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers at an average speed of 67.72 kilometers per hour, or 7.51 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers including charging losses. The vehicle shares its 99 kilowatt front-wheel electric motor, battery, aluminum structure, and high-strength carbon fiber materials with the ID. Polo. At speeds above 80 kilometers per hour, it uses over 30 percent less energy than the ID. Polo, and at 140 kilometers per hour consumes the same energy as an ID. Polo traveling at 100 kilometers per hour.

The teardrop-shaped 2+2 coupe features covered rear wheels, a covered underbody, frameless windows, flush door handles, and Continental concept tires with rolling resistance of 4.9 kilograms per tonne. The interior uses a smartphone or tablet dock instead of a built-in infotainment screen and a portable Bluetooth speaker. Solar panels on the roof can supply up to 30 kilometers of added range. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer said Mission Efficiency demonstrates technology for the masses. The vehicle follows the XL1, a diesel plug-in hybrid that Volkswagen built in 250 units between 2013 and 2016.