Volkswagen Mission Efficiency Concept EV Debuts with Solar Roof Adding 30Km of Daily Range

Volkswagen has unveiled the Mission Efficiency, a near-production electric vehicle concept that focuses on reducing energy consumption through aerodynamic design, lightweight construction and by harnessing solar energy. This electric car features a 370-watt photovoltaic system integrated into its glass roof and tailgate, which can add up to 30 km of range per day under suitable conditions. The Mission Efficiency is based on Volkswagen’s MEB+ electric vehicle platform and uses the front-wheel-drive electric powertrain from the ID. Polo.

The concept gets photovoltaic cells integrated into the glass roof and tailgate. The 370-watt solar system generates electricity that can be used by the vehicle, reducing the amount of energy required from the high-voltage battery. Volkswagen claims the solar setup can provide enough energy for up to 30 km of additional driving range per day. The actual energy generation will vary depending on factors such as weather, season and geographical location.

The Volkswagen Mission Efficiency concept car houses a 54.9 kWh battery pack. This car generates a peak power output of 135PS and 264Nm of torque. It has a claimed top speed of 160kmph and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in a claimed time of 9 seconds.

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The Volkswagen Mission Efficiency boasts a range of up to 654km on a single charge. However, in a recent test conducted by the automaker this electric car completed a 1,278.36 km drive from Wolfsburg in Germany to Vienna in Austria. The journey was completed at an average speed of 67.72 km/h, with a recorded top speed of 138 km/h. Volkswagen says the battery was charged once during the drive and the vehicle reached Vienna with a calculated remaining range of 164 km.

During the journey, the vehicle recorded an average energy consumption of 6.89 kWh/100 km without charging losses. Including charging losses, the figure stood at 7.51 kWh/100 km; the WLTP energy consumption is rated at 8.4kWh/100km.

Aerodynamics plays a major role in the Mission Efficiency concept. Volkswagen says its drag coefficient of 0.158 is a record figure for a road-approved vehicle. The vehicle uses a streamlined body with covered rear wheels, a fully enclosed underbody, active cooling-air flaps and flush-fitting door handles. Frameless windows have also been used to reduce aerodynamic resistance.

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According to Volkswagen, the concept requires more than 30 percent less energy than the ID. Polo at speeds above 80 km/h. At 140 km/h, its energy requirement is claimed to be comparable to that of an ID. Polo travelling at 100 km/h.

Volkswagen has used lightweight components inside the cabin as part of its efficiency-focused approach. The dashboard and door trims use lightweight materials, while the concept replaces permanently installed speakers with a portable Bluetooth speaker.

The vehicle follows a ‘bring your own device’ approach, allowing a smartphone or tablet to serve as the central infotainment interface. The Mission Efficiency has a 2+2 seating layout and offers 481 litres of luggage space.