Volkswagen’s electric concept reaches new efficiency record

A Volkswagen concept has hit a new record for electric vehicle efficiency.

The ‘Mission Efficiency’ covered 794 miles from Wolfsburg to Vienna and, during the journey, reached an efficiency rating of 8.27mpkWh and as high as 9.02mpkWh when removing the energy lost when charging.

MpkWh – or miles per kilowatt-hour – is the unit of distance which shows how many miles an electric car can travel on a single kilowatt-hour of electricity.

Underneath, the Mission Efficiency uses the same MEB+ platform as found on the new Volkswagen ID.Polo, Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval. The Polo, however, achieves a claimed efficiency of 5.4mpkWh.

However, thanks to its sleek aerodynamic design, the Mission Efficiency managed a range of 406 miles, representing a large increase over the ID.Polo’s claimed 282-mile range. During its drive, the Mission Efficiency was only charged a single time, too.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said: “Mission Efficiency is the ideal way to demonstrate what distinguishes Volkswagen in the electric age: technology for the masses – not just for the few.

“Rather than using specialist technology, the vehicle set its three world records using affordable production technology from the ID. Polo and ID. Cross, based on the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive.”

Volkswagen put the Mission Efficiency through a variety of driving conditions, too, and reached a top speed of 86mph during the journey. Despite its concept-like design, the Mission Efficiency still offers 481 litres of luggage space and can seat four – though the rear seats are small and only suited to smaller children.