Volkswagen unveiled the Mission Efficiency concept at international tests for its ID. Polo electric vehicle, showcasing a 4.77-meter 2+2 electric coupe designed to highlight energy efficiency using existing production parts. The car boasts a drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.158, which is the lowest ever recorded for a road-legal vehicle. This coefficient measures how smoothly a vehicle moves through the air, with lower numbers indicating better aerodynamics and less energy used for propulsion. Volkswagen claims the car can theoretically use just 6.48 kWh of energy per 100 kilometers at a constant speed, and in real-world testing, it achieved an efficiency of 6.89 kWh per 100 km during a 1,278.36 km trip from Wolfsburg to Vienna. The Mission Efficiency is built using components from the ID. Polo, including a 135 horsepower (99 kW) electric motor and a 54.9 kWh battery. To improve aerodynamics, the car features an extended roof, faired wheels, and other design elements. It also includes practical touches like a sliding mechanical rail for personal devices, no speakers in the doors to reduce weight, and a 370 W photovoltaic glass roof that can generate electricity from sunlight. Unlike Volkswagen’s 2013 XL1, which used carbon fiber and a diesel engine, the Mission Efficiency focuses on aerodynamics and lightweight design using existing, mass-produced parts. The vehicle’s aerodynamic design includes features like active air intakes, a forward-opening hood, and a narrowed rear track to reduce air resistance. Inside, the car offers a practical 481-liter trunk and space for four passengers, though the cabin height is somewhat limited. The battery capacity was increased from 52 to 54.9 kWh through software adjustments, allowing for more range without adding significant weight. While Volkswagen has not confirmed plans to produce the Mission Efficiency, the concept meets homologation and crash safety standards, suggesting it could be viable for production. The development of the Mission Efficiency comes at a time when Volkswagen is facing scrutiny over its recent job cuts and plant closures. The cost of creating such a highly efficient concept vehicle may raise questions about the company’s strategic priorities. Nonetheless, the Mission Efficiency serves as a demonstration of what can be achieved with existing components and a focus on aerodynamics, potentially offering insights for future electric vehicle designs.