New Volkswagen feeds on sun and breaks efficiency records

Chama Volkswagen Mission Efficient, is a coupé, was officially presented this monday (14 september) and, as the name indicates, it proposes to be a “band” in terms of efficiency.

The prototype is announced as “the electric car near the most efficient production in the world“, having already set three records. It has photovoltaic panel on the roof, with solar power supporting the onboard electrical system and resulting in real gains in autonomy.

Engine is the VW ID. Polo

This front drive vehicle has a app290 electric motor with 135 hp power and 264 Binary Nm – derived from VW ID. Polo, like the 54.9 kWh high voltage battery. The base is the MEB+ platform, according to the executive director of the brand – Thomas Schäfer.

The coupe is four places 2+2 configuration and has a trunk for 481 liters, measuring 4,775 millimeters long and 1,392 millimeters high. The prototype was designed to transport “a young family of four”.

Photovoltaic system for another 30 km of autonomy per day

Something holds attention to looking at the images of the new Volkswagen: its roof and lid of the trunk, whose windows integrate a photovoltaic system with 370 watts of power.

This provides power to on-board electrical system components and may result in gains of up to 30 km of real autonomy per day – depending on atmospheric conditions and region.

Futuristic and aerodynamic design

Your drawing is not only futuristic, but also aerodynamic, with low air resistance. The drag coefficient is 0,158. It has a drop shape, active air cooling flaps, frameless door windows, body-integrated door handles, rear wheels hidden by the caring and bottom front Clean Aero Front with five opening scenarios (including fully closed). The face consists of a wide light strip, with headlights at the ends and Volkswagen logo illuminated to the centre.

The wheels contribute to 25 to 30 percent of the aerodynamic resistance, according to Volkswagen. For this reason, they deserved a lot of attention: the front wheel arches were close to the tyre radius in order to reduce turbulence and all the wheels have new and patented deflectors. The tyres themselves are specific in a concept developed alongside Continental.

Behind you can see a luminous strip across the width of Mission Efficiency, with the Volkswagen logo lit up ahead. Otherwise, the body as if it sinks in the back (the shaft is even narrower). Small storage compartments are found in the lids that hide the rear wheels, which serve, for example, for a loading cable – releasing space in the trunk.

Volkswagen says that this design reduces consumption by more than 30 percent to speeds greater than 80 km/h compared to Volkswagen ID. Polo, needing almost as much power as the hatchback to go 90 miles an hour. Bodywork has ID components. Polo, such as a self-porting aluminium structure and carbon fiber reinforced polymer parts and aramid composite.

A brake opening

In front of Mission Efficiency lies a hydraulic brake coming from the ID. Polo, while behind, an electromechanical brake developed by Aumovio – with support for the variable distribution of the braking force, less friction losses, as well as tube savings and brake fluid is released. There is also a MacPherson suspension on the front axle.

Interior breaks conventions

In the whole new interior we find simplicity, with a small digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel and a non-vehicle central touch screen: a mobile device can be fitted. There is a support for devices and a 3D printed mechanical fixation rail that allows you to position a tablet or smartphone in multiple locations.

Also the sound system and lighting are removable: instead of permanent speakers, there is a mobile Bluetooth box, and the lighting is replaced by a flexible integration flashlight. These two devices have their own battery, not depending on the power of the vehicle.

Pure Positive design language was applied. The multi-function steering wheel has a new coating. There is a network to transport smartphones and two USB-C ports in the floating central console area.

The headrests of the front seats show an unusual design, with an open center and a grid structure on the sides – a 3D printed structure that incorporates lighting.

There are no electrical components in the recyclable door panels in order to cut in weight, while the floor is manufactured in a lightweight composite material. The Volkswagen Mission Efficiency offers indoor storage spaces, like two boxes under the backseat.

Navigation and multimedia are on the driver's smartphone or tablet. But there is also a small separate e-paper screen available without a mobile device, to access controls and air conditioning dial.

He's already a record player

Although it's just a prototype, the new Volkswagen Mission Efficiency has already beaten three records. Since then, the drag coefficient of 0.158 is a new record among cars approved for road use.

Then, it presented consumptions of 6.48 kWh/100 km in an “ideal journey” – at 68 km/h of constant speed, without rises and consumptions of systems such as air conditioning.

And on a real trip of 1,278.36 km between Germany and Austria passing through Poland and Chéchia, it had consumptions of 7.51 kWh/100 km. The 54.9 kWh liquid battery was charged only once.