VW Pushes the EV Efficiency Envelope
Thirteen years after its groundbreaking 240mpg XL1, VW offers up a super-efficient EV concept
With drag coefficient of 0.158 (15% better than the XL1), the mundanely-named Mission Efficiency leverages the updated front-wheel-drive MEB+ platform used on the new VW ID.Polo and ID.Cross. While the XL1 was a diesel plug-in hybrid, the Mission Efficiency is, of course, pure electric, claiming a consumption rate of 7.51kWh/100km (with charging losses), about 1/3 better than a Lucid Air Pure (at 11.2kWh/100km). An official range figure, however, has not been quoted.
Like the XL1, it’s a two-door fastback with a tapered body and enclosed rear wheels, but there are some notable differences:
🔹 A more concerted effort to use “affordable production technology”, leveraging not only the MEB+ platform but the existing motor and battery pack
🔹 A more usable package includes 2+2 seating and 481 liters (about 17 cubic feet) of cargo space
🔹 While the XL1 used a magnesium-alloy subframe, the Mission Efficiency uses a “self supporting aluminum structure”; both vehicles used carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic components
🔹 The rear-mounted electromechanical brakes removes the need for brake lines and brake fluid--and also increases cornering stability
🔹 The glass roof includes solar panels to generate 370W of power, adding up to 18 miles a day in range
🔹 No built-in touchscreens here; the Mission Efficiency allows you to use a tablet or smartphone as the infotainment display
VW wound up building 250 XL1s at a rather eye-watering price of €111,000 euros (with a €20,000 deposit), but there’s no word yet on any production plans. That being said, unlike some of Mercedes’ more recent concepts, there’s not a lot of new technology that might be destined for future VW EVs; instead, this seems to focus on optimizing VW’s current technologies. I suspect this will be showcased at the upcoming Paris Motor Show next month.
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