Volkswagen built a near-production 2+2 seat electric coupe prototype called Mission Efficiency that achieved a drag coefficient of 0.158, claiming the mark for the most aerodynamic road-approved vehicle in the world. TechCrunch reported that the car uses Volkswagen's MEB+ platform alongside front-wheel drive components borrowed from the planned ID. Polo and ID. Cross models.
The prototype completed a 1,278.36-kilometer trip from Wolfsburg to Vienna on a single charge of its 54.9 kWh net battery. During the journey, the car recorded an average energy consumption of 6.89 kWh per 100 kilometers at an average speed of 67.72 km/h, rising to 7.51 kWh per 100 kilometers when factoring in charging losses. The car reached Vienna with 164 kilometers of driving range remaining.
The vehicle also registered 6.48 kWh per 100 kilometers during a flat-terrain test conducted at a constant 68 km/h with secondary systems like air conditioning deactivated. Mission Efficiency shares its 99 kW front-wheel electric motor, battery, aluminum structure, and high-strength carbon fiber materials with the ID. Polo. At speeds above 80 km/h, the coupe uses over 30 percent less energy than the ID. Polo, and it consumes the same energy at 140 km/h that an ID. Polo uses at 100 km/h.
Engineers cut weight by replacing a standard central touchscreen with a smartphone and tablet dock paired with a portable Bluetooth speaker. The exterior incorporates a teardrop shape, wheel coverings, a covered underbody, frameless windows, and flush door handles. Integrated roof solar panels generate power for auxiliary electronics, supplying up to 30 kilometers of additional range.
Automakers including Ford, Mercedes, Audi, and Porsche are similarly focusing on aerodynamic drag reductions across future models, with Ford applying aerodynamic design challenges to its next-generation electric truck.
