Volkswagen’s crazy-efficient EV borrows an idea from Slate

Volkswagen unveiled a highly efficient electric vehicle prototype on Monday, boasting a fuel economy of up to 323 miles per gallon, placing it among the most efficient cars globally. Unlike typical industry speculation, Volkswagen proceeded to construct and test the vehicle, traversing 794 miles (1,278 kilometers) from its Wolfsburg, Germany base to Vienna.

The Mission Efficiency prototype utilized a single charge during the journey and retained 104 miles (168 kilometers) of range, achieving a consumption rate of 7.51 kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, equivalent to 279 MPGe.

The teardrop-shaped prototype utilized the electric motor and battery from the ID. Polo, marking it near production status. This efficiency surpasses the current world leader, the Lucid Air Pure, and could extend to over 400 miles of range from a 54.9-kilowatt-hour battery, although this is not an official EPA rating. Volkswagen opted for an aerodynamic design, known as a Kammback, to reduce the coefficient of drag to 0.158 and low frontal area of 2.08 square meters.

Nonetheless, the rear seats are designed for children under 5 feet 3 inches, reflecting a compromise in comfort for adult passengers.

Volkswagen aimed to minimize aerodynamic drag by reducing wheel arches and tire space, though this may compromise ride quality. They retained traditional sideview mirrors to preserve depth perception and incorporated solar cells on the roof and trunk lid, providing a minimal 18 miles (30 kilometers) of additional range on sunny roads.

The interior features lightweight materials and eschews an infotainment system and built-in speakers, instead offering a portable Bluetooth speaker for drivers to bring their own devices. While Volkswagen labels the Mission Efficiency as "near production," no production commitment has been made, although the XL1 efficiency model from a decade ago sold at premium prices starting at €110,000 in 2013.