At a glance: Mission Efficiency

Volkswagen demonstrates the efficiency potential of the MEB+ platform

Mission Efficiency is a near-production electric concept vehicle developed by Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. It combines the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive, the electric drive system of the Volkswagen ID. Polo, a highly aerodynamic body and extensive lightweight construction. The vehicle achieved a drag coefficient of 0.158 and recorded an average energy consumption of 6.89 kWh/100 km excluding charging losses during an officially documented 1,278.36-kilometre drive from Wolfsburg to Vienna.

At a glance

• Vehicle: Volkswagen Mission Efficiency
• Type: Near-production electric concept vehicle
• Development: Volkswagen, Wolfsburg, Germany
• Platform: MEB+
• Drive: Front-wheel drive
• Electric motor: APP290 permanently excited synchronous motor
• Power: 99 kW (135 PS)
• Maximum torque: 264 Nm
• Battery: 54.9 kWh net, lithium-ion, NMC
• Maximum DC charging power: 105 kW
• Drag coefficient: Cd 0.158
• Frontal area: 2.08 m²
• WLTP energy consumption: 8.4 kWh/100 km
• Record-drive consumption: 6.89 kWh/100 km excluding charging losses; 7.51 kWh/100 km including charging losses
• Idealised-drive consumption: 6.48 kWh/100 km
• Photovoltaic system: 370 W
• Length: 4,775 mm
• Width: 1,744 mm excluding exterior mirrors
• Height: 1,392 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
• Luggage capacity: 481 litres
• Seating: 2+2
• Top speed: 160 km/h
• 0–100 km/h: 9.0 seconds
• Concept status: Concept vehicle; not available for sale

The Volkswagen Mission Efficiency was developed to demonstrate how aerodynamic efficiency, drivetrain efficiency, lightweight construction and energy management can interact in an electric vehicle.

The vehicle achieved three records during its development and testing programme.

The first is an aerodynamic record. With a drag coefficient of Cd 0.158, the Mission Efficiency achieves a new benchmark for a road-legal automobile.

The second is an energy-consumption record under idealised conditions. During an idealised drive at a constant speed of 68 km/h, without gradients and with auxiliary consumers such as the air conditioning switched off, the vehicle consumed 6.48 kWh/100 km.

The third is the vehicle's average consumption during an officially documented road journey. On a 1,278.36-kilometre route from Volkswagen's development centre in Wolfsburg via Poznań in Poland and Olomouc in the Czech Republic to Vienna in Austria, the Mission Efficiency consumed 6.89 kWh/100 km excluding charging losses and 7.51 kWh/100 km including charging losses.

The vehicle covered the route at an average speed of 67.72 km/h. Its maximum speed during the journey was 138 km/h. The 54.9-kWh battery was charged only once. When the vehicle reached Vienna, its calculated remaining range was 164 kilometres.

The Mission Efficiency is not based on a completely new electric drivetrain. Its technical foundation is the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive, which is also used for the new Volkswagen ID. Polo.

The Mission Efficiency uses the 99-kW (135-PS) version of the APP290 electric motor. The permanently excited synchronous motor develops a maximum torque of 264 Nm and can reach 13,000 rpm.

The electric motor is connected to a single-speed transmission with adapted oil cooling and a longer gear ratio. The complete drive system, including the battery, was derived from the production technology of the ID. Polo and adapted for the Mission Efficiency.

The vehicle therefore demonstrates the efficiency potential of technologies intended for series production rather than relying on a dedicated high-performance electric drivetrain.

The Mission Efficiency has a drag coefficient of Cd 0.158 and a frontal area of 2.08 m².

Its aerodynamic performance results from the interaction of several components and design measures. The vehicle has a long, low and tapered body, a fully covered underbody, enclosed rear wheels, aerodynamically optimised wheel covers, patented wheel deflectors and active cooling-air flaps.

The body measures 4,775 mm in length but only 1,392 mm in height. Its 2,700-mm wheelbase and long rear overhang allow the body to adopt an elongated teardrop shape.

The rear section narrows progressively towards the rear. This reduces flow separation and limits the turbulent wake behind the vehicle.

The aerodynamic concept follows the principle of form following function. The design team used computer simulations and wind-tunnel testing to optimise the body shape and individual components.

Three active cooling-air flaps are integrated flush into the front end of the Mission Efficiency.

One large central flap is accompanied by two smaller outer flaps. The system provides five different opening cross-sections. Depending on the vehicle's thermal requirements, the flaps can open individually or in combination.

When cooling air is not required, the flaps remain closed. This reduces the amount of air entering the front of the vehicle and therefore reduces aerodynamic drag.

The flaps also open during DC fast charging to support the thermal management of the vehicle.

When all three flaps are closed, the front end is sealed against airflow and contributes to achieving the Cd 0.158 drag coefficient.

The wheels are an important source of aerodynamic drag. Volkswagen therefore developed specific measures to control airflow around and through the wheels.

The rear wheels of the Mission Efficiency are fully enclosed. The front wheel arches closely follow the tyre radius to reduce turbulence inside the wheel housings.

In addition, patented wheel deflectors are installed on the inside of all four wheels. They reduce the amount of air entering the wheel rims and thereby reduce turbulence.

The visible wheel covers have a flat and aerodynamically optimised design. Their transparent material allows a three-dimensional appearance while maintaining the aerodynamic function.

The Mission Efficiency also uses specially developed Continental tyres based on the production EcoContact 7. The tyres combine a tread designed for low rolling resistance with aerodynamically optimised sidewalls.

The underbody of the Mission Efficiency is almost completely enclosed.

Aerodynamically shaped axle covers and flow guides reduce disturbances in the airflow around the front and rear axles. The rear axle was extensively modified for the concept vehicle and narrowed by 170 mm compared with the ID. Polo.

The rear suspension components were positioned outside the main airflow to further improve the underbody aerodynamics.

The aerodynamic optimisation of the underbody is significant because a substantial proportion of a vehicle's aerodynamic drag is generated underneath the body.

The Mission Efficiency combines the basic body structure of the ID. Polo with a self-supporting aluminium structure.

The doors, bonnet, tailgate, fenders and additional body components are made from a high-strength carbon-fibre/aramid composite.

The lightweight construction supports the vehicle's efficiency objective by reducing mass while allowing the aerodynamic body shape to be realised.

The prototype has EU road approval and meets the relevant requirements for protection, structural strength and crash safety.

A 370-watt photovoltaic system is integrated into the glass roof and tailgate.

The photovoltaic system supplies electrical energy to the vehicle's auxiliary electrical consumers. This reduces the amount of energy required from the traction battery.

Depending on season, geographical location and weather conditions, Volkswagen estimates that the photovoltaic system can contribute up to 30 kilometres of additional range per day.

The Mission Efficiency uses a 54.9-kWh net lithium-ion battery with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry.

The battery uses cell-to-pack technology, in which the battery cells are integrated directly into the battery pack without conventional intermediate module housings.

Three battery packs form the vehicle's energy storage system. The battery housing also contributes to the structural strength of the vehicle.

The battery has an AC charging capacity of 11 kW and a maximum DC charging capacity of 105 kW.

The battery corresponds to the production battery used in the new ID. Polo. For the Mission Efficiency, Volkswagen increased the maximum usable energy by 2.9 kWh through software.

The APP290 electric motor is a permanently excited synchronous motor weighing approximately 75 kilograms.

In the Mission Efficiency, the motor produces 99 kW (135 PS) and 264 Nm of maximum torque.

A Volkswagen-developed pulse inverter controls power and torque delivery as well as energy recuperation. It converts the battery's direct current into the alternating current required by the electric motor.

The compact front-mounted drive system also integrates the charging electronics and electric air-conditioning compressor.

The Mission Efficiency is equipped with a heat pump integrated into the climate-control system.

The heat pump reduces the amount of electrical energy required for cabin heating at low outside temperatures.

The air-conditioning and heat-pump system uses R744, a natural refrigerant based on carbon dioxide.

The Mission Efficiency uses a newly developed semi-dry braking system.

The front axle uses the hydraulic braking system from the ID. Polo. At the rear, Volkswagen uses a new electromechanical brake.

The rear electromechanical brake reduces mechanical friction losses and eliminates the conventional brake lines and brake fluid required for a hydraulic rear brake.

The system can also vary the distribution of braking forces between the wheels. This supports energy recuperation and contributes to vehicle stability and braking comfort.

Volkswagen developed the new rear braking system together with technology company AUMOVIO.

The Mission Efficiency follows Volkswagen's “Pure Positive” design language, but its proportions are primarily determined by aerodynamic requirements.

The vehicle is a two-door coupé with a long roofline, a low body and a strongly tapered rear section.

The front end is visually related to the new Volkswagen ID. family, particularly the ID. Polo and ID. Cross.

The bonnet was lowered in the area of the windscreen base to reduce the frontal area. The windscreen and A-pillars were also aerodynamically optimised.

The exterior door handles are integrated into the body surface. They extend electrically but continue to operate the door lock mechanically, allowing the doors to be opened even in the event of an electrical failure.

Volkswagen retained conventional exterior mirrors rather than using camera-based systems. Wind-tunnel testing showed that the aerodynamic benefit of camera-based mirrors would have been limited in the overall vehicle balance, while the technology would have added cost and additional electrical energy requirements.

The rear of the Mission Efficiency uses a tapered boat-tail design.

The roof, side surfaces and rear window converge towards a precisely defined trailing edge above the rear lights.

The trailing edge controls the separation of the airflow and reduces the turbulent wake behind the vehicle.

A narrow LED rear light strip extends across the rear and incorporates an illuminated Volkswagen logo.

The lower rear section contains an aerodynamic diffuser that guides airflow from the underbody and side surfaces away from the vehicle.

Despite its focus on aerodynamic efficiency, the Mission Efficiency was designed as an everyday-useable 2+2-seater.

The front seats provide unrestricted space for occupants. The rear seats are designed for passengers up to approximately 1.60 metres tall.

The luggage compartment has a capacity of 481 litres in its standard configuration. The split-folding rear seat backrest can be folded to create a load area approximately 1.80 metres long.

Additional storage compartments are located beneath the rear seats and behind the side panels around the rear wheels.

The interior follows the principles of lightweight construction and functional minimalism.

The sports seats use open structural elements. The headrests incorporate a three-dimensional TPU structure produced by 3D printing. The material is fully recyclable.

The door panels do not contain conventional built-in speakers, ambient lighting or some other electrical components. This reduces weight and allows the panels to be designed for recycling.

The floor uses a lightweight composite material with integrated anti-slip elements, eliminating the need for separate conventional floor mats.

The Mission Efficiency does not have a permanently installed central infotainment display.

Instead, Volkswagen developed a “Bring your own device” concept. A smartphone or tablet can be mounted using a mechanical rail and connected wirelessly to the vehicle.

Functions such as navigation and media playback are displayed on the user's own device.

Basic driving functions and climate control remain available without a mobile device. A small separate e-paper display provides information about the climate system.

A portable Bluetooth speaker replaces conventional permanently installed speakers. A rechargeable portable flashlight can also be carried in the vehicle.

The aerodynamic concept of the Mission Efficiency draws on experience gained with previous Volkswagen efficiency and performance projects.

The elongated body shape is reminiscent of the Volkswagen XL1, which was presented in 2013 as a limited-production plug-in hybrid and was designed for very low fuel consumption.

The aerodynamic development also drew on experience with the Volkswagen ID.R, Volkswagen's electric record vehicle developed for motorsport.

The Mission Efficiency combines elements of these previous projects with the production technology of the MEB+ platform.

The Mission Efficiency was developed by Volkswagen's technical development teams in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The project brought together aerodynamics, design, vehicle development, drivetrain engineering, battery technology, lightweight construction, chassis development and interior development.

Aerodynamics was the dominant development area because aerodynamic drag is one of the principal factors affecting energy consumption at higher speeds.

The development team therefore used the efficiency of the MEB+ electric drive as a starting point and focused significant development effort on reducing aerodynamic drag and vehicle weight.

At speeds above 80 km/h, the Mission Efficiency consumes more than 30 percent less energy than the production ID. Polo under comparable conditions. At approximately 140 km/h, its energy consumption is stated to be approximately comparable to that of an ID. Polo travelling at 100 km/h.

What is the Volkswagen Mission Efficiency?
The Mission Efficiency is a near-production electric concept vehicle developed by Volkswagen to demonstrate the efficiency potential of the MEB+ platform and its front-wheel-drive electric drivetrain.

What is the drag coefficient of the Mission Efficiency?
The Mission Efficiency has a drag coefficient of Cd 0.158.

How much energy does the Mission Efficiency consume?
During the officially documented record drive from Wolfsburg to Vienna, the vehicle consumed 6.89 kWh/100 km excluding charging losses and 7.51 kWh/100 km including charging losses.

How far was the record drive?
The officially documented route covered 1,278.36 kilometres from Wolfsburg via Poznań and Olomouc to Vienna.

How many times was the battery charged during the record drive?
The 54.9-kWh battery was charged once during the 1,278.36-kilometre journey.

What battery does the Mission Efficiency use?
The vehicle uses a 54.9-kWh net lithium-ion NMC battery based on cell-to-pack technology.

What electric motor does the Mission Efficiency use?
The vehicle uses the APP290 permanently excited synchronous motor in its 99-kW (135-PS) version.

Does the Mission Efficiency have front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
The Mission Efficiency has front-wheel drive.

What platform does the Mission Efficiency use?
The vehicle is based on the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive.

Is the Mission Efficiency a production vehicle?
No. The Mission Efficiency is a concept vehicle and is not available for sale. It demonstrates technologies and development approaches for improving the efficiency of future electric vehicles.

How many people can the Mission Efficiency carry?
The vehicle is configured as a 2+2-seater.

How large is the luggage compartment?
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 481 litres in its standard configuration.

Does the Mission Efficiency have solar panels?
Yes. A 370-watt photovoltaic system is integrated into the glass roof and tailgate.

How much additional range can the photovoltaic system provide?
Depending on season, location and weather conditions, Volkswagen estimates that the system can contribute up to 30 kilometres of additional range per day.

What is the top speed of the Mission Efficiency?
The vehicle has a top speed of 160 km/h.

How quickly does the Mission Efficiency accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h?
The claimed 0–100 km/h acceleration time is 9.0 seconds.

Mission Efficiency: the technology in context

The Mission Efficiency demonstrates that electric-vehicle efficiency depends on more than battery capacity. Its development combines aerodynamic drag reduction, rolling resistance, vehicle weight, drivetrain efficiency, thermal management, recuperation and auxiliary energy consumption.

The vehicle uses production-related technology from the MEB+ platform and the Volkswagen ID. Polo as its technical foundation. The concept vehicle adds aerodynamic and lightweight measures developed specifically to explore the upper limits of efficiency.

The result is a Volkswagen electric concept vehicle with a Cd 0.158 drag coefficient, a 54.9-kWh battery, a 99-kW front-mounted electric motor and a documented average consumption of 6.89 kWh/100 km excluding charging losses over a 1,278.36-kilometre route.

The Mission Efficiency is therefore primarily a technology demonstrator: its purpose is to show how far the efficiency of future Volkswagen electric vehicles can potentially be developed by combining production technology with targeted aerodynamic, lightweight and energy-management solutions.