Volkswagen has unveiled its Mission Efficiency concept as a demonstration of how electric vehicles could achieve longer driving ranges without relying on increasingly large batteries.
The concept focuses on reducing the energy needed to move the vehicle through a combination of aerodynamic design, lightweight construction and an efficiency-focused electric drivetrain. Despite its emphasis on efficiency, Volkswagen has also aimed to retain the practicality expected from a conventional passenger car.
Design
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 longtail body has been shaped to reduce aerodynamic resistance, which is particularly important for an electric vehicle because less resistance can translate directly into lower energy consumption.
Volkswagen has also used lightweight components as part of its efficiency strategy. Rather than depending primarily on a larger battery to increase range, the concept is designed to use less energy during normal driving.
Power
The concept is powered by a 135 bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels.
Energy comes from a relatively compact 54.9kWh battery. Volkswagen claims average energy consumption of 6.89kWh/100km, while consumption rises to 7.51kWh/100km when charging losses are included.
Those figures highlight the central idea behind the Mission Efficiency. Improving the efficiency of the entire vehicle can allow a smaller battery to deliver substantial range.
Range
Volkswagen has also demonstrated the concept’s efficiency through a long-distance endurance run.
The Mission Efficiency travelled from Wolfsburg to Vienna, covering 1,278.36km with only one charging stop. According to Volkswagen, the vehicle arrived in Vienna with approximately 164km of range remaining.
The journey provides an indication of what can be achieved when aerodynamic efficiency, low energy consumption and battery capacity are considered together.
Practicality
Although the concept is designed around efficiency, Volkswagen has not abandoned everyday usability.
The Mission Efficiency has a 2+2 seating arrangement and provides 481 litres of boot space. This gives the concept a more practical layout than some highly streamlined efficiency-focused vehicles.
A solar roof is also fitted. Under suitable conditions, Volkswagen says it can provide up to around 30km of additional range per day.
The solar system is not intended to replace conventional charging, but it can provide a small amount of additional energy during daily use.
Technology
The Mission Efficiency is based on Volkswagen’s MEB+ architecture and incorporates technology that the company says is close to production.
The interior also explores a different approach to vehicle infotainment. Instead of depending entirely on a traditional built-in screen, the concept is designed to work with the user’s smartphone or tablet.
This approach could reduce the need for large dedicated displays while allowing occupants to use devices they already own.
Purpose
The Mission Efficiency is not planned as a production vehicle. Instead, it serves as a technology demonstration showing how Volkswagen is approaching the challenge of improving EV range.
The concept brings together several areas of vehicle development, including aerodynamics, weight reduction, electric motor efficiency and energy management.
Rather than simply increasing battery capacity, Volkswagen is exploring how much range can be gained by making the vehicle itself more efficient.
Outlook
The Mission Efficiency concept illustrates an alternative path for improving electric vehicle range.
Larger batteries can provide more driving range, but they also add weight and require more materials. Volkswagen’s concept instead focuses on reducing energy consumption so that a relatively small battery can support long-distance travel.
Its claimed 0.158 Cd drag coefficient, 54.9kWh battery and low energy consumption figures demonstrate the scale of efficiency Volkswagen is targeting.
While the Mission Efficiency will not enter production in its current form, its technology and design approach could influence future Volkswagen electric vehicles as manufacturers continue looking for ways to improve range, efficiency and practicality at the same time.
