Volkswagen unveils the 'world's most efficient electric car'... but you can't buy it

Volkswagen has unveiled what it claims is the world's most efficient electric car. The catch? You won't be able to buy one.Called the Mission Efficiency, the futuristic EV is based on the same MEB+ platform that underpins the new ID.Polo, which we recently reviewed.While the electric supermini, priced from £23,395 in the UK, delivers a maximum combined efficiency of 5.4 miles per kWh, the Mission Efficiency comfortably outperforms it thanks to its ultra-aerodynamic bodywork and a host of efficiency-focused technologies.In fact, it is almost twice as economical.During a near-800-mile journey from Volkswagen's development centre in Wolfsburg to Vienna, the car achieved an average efficiency of 8.27 miles per kWh.Engineers said that when charging losses are excluded, efficiency rises to an impressive 9.02 miles per kWh.Despite using a relatively small battery that supports rapid charging, Volkswagen says the car is capable of covering up to 500 miles between charges.However, anyone hoping to place an order for an ultra-efficient commuter car will be disappointed; Volkswagen bosses say the Mission Efficiency is purely a technology demonstrator, showcasing the 'potential efficiency we can add to the latest generation of electric cars'. Volkswagen has unveiled what it claims is the 'world's most efficient electric car'. But there's a catch... you won't be able to buy oneThe 794-mile trip included autobahn driving at speeds of up to 86mph, although the overall average speed was 42mph.Volkswagen confirmed there was just one charging stop during the journey.Based on its real-world consumption figures, the car achieved a range of 406 miles using the same 52kWh battery fitted to the flagship ID.Polo.Engineers say that, under more favourable conditions and at lower average speeds, the vehicle could go for more than 500 miles on a full charge.Power comes from the 114hp electric motor used in the entry-level ID.Polo. In the production car, this motor is paired exclusively with the smaller 37kWh battery and drives the front wheels.The Mission Efficiency also uses the ID.Polo's largest battery pack with 52kWh.However, engineers unlocked an additional 2kWh of usable capacity by removing the safety buffer retained in the showroom model, increasing total usable energy to 54kWh. During a near-800-mile journey from Volkswagen's development centre in Wolfsburg to Vienna, the car achieved an average efficiency of 8.27 miles per kWh The Mission Efficiency is VW's 'production-ready' futuristic EV that's built on the same MEB+ platform that underpins the new ID.Polo Solar panels integrated into the roof and boot lid can add up to 18 miles of extra driving range per day, VW saysJoin the discussionShould groundbreaking green tech be kept off the market just to show off, or should companies make it available to everyone?What's your view?The MEB+ platform, which will also underpin models including the Volkswagen ID.Cross, Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq, has been heavily modified and reshaped into an almost teardrop profile.The rear axle is around 17cm narrower than that of the standard platform, allowing for a longer, lower body that tapers dramatically towards the rear.Solar panels integrated into the roof and boot lid provide a combined output of 370 watts, feeding additional energy into the battery. Volkswagen claims they can add up to 18 miles of extra driving range per day during optimal summer conditions.It's no featherweight, though.Its larger dimensions and photovoltaic panels on the roof have it tipping the scale at 1.6 tonnes - around just 50kg heavier than the ID.Polo.It also has seating for four (though we imagine the headroom in the back is limited at best) and a plush-looking cabin, though with some weight-saving features, including thin seats featuring cobweb-like headrests.And it's pretty practical, too, with a large 481-litre boot. There's also side panniers enclosed into the bodywork with drawers for everyday items, including its charging cable. There's seating for four inside, though two rearmost seats look to only be suitable for small children. The thin chairs with cobweb-like headrests help to keep the weight low Despite only being a concept, the Mission Efficiency is pretty practical. It has a massive 481-litre boot - that's 100 litre more than a VW Golf There are hidden paniers in the bodywork with drawers to keep everyday items - and the charging cableThe big talking point, though, is the exterior design. With a compact frontal area with active cooling flaps, a completely flat underbody, patented aerodynamic wheel deflectors and partially enclosed rear wheels, the Mission Efficiency achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.158Cd.Volkswagen says this is the lowest drag figure ever recorded for a vehicle that could realistically be mass-produced.That comfortably beats the company's similarly slipper-shaped XL1 diesel hypermiler, which had a drag coefficient of 0.199Cd.Although the XL1 entered production in 2015, only 250 examples were built, each costing around £100,000.The Mission Efficiency also surpasses the current production-car benchmark held by the Lucid Air, which has a drag coefficient of 0.197 and costs from just over $70,000 in the US.Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen's chief executive, said the vehicle is 'the ideal way to demonstrate what distinguishes Volkswagen in the electric age' and proves the company remains focused on 'technology for the masses, not just for the few'.He added that the car has achieved three efficiency world records using 'affordable production technology' already deployed in the ID.Polo and upcoming ID.Cross.'This shows how much potential efficiency we can add to the latest generation of our electric cars.' Power comes from the 114hp electric motor used in the entry-level ID.Polo. The 54kWh battery is the same as the range-topping pack in the ID.Polo but with 2kWh of energy unlocked Volkswagen has even patented the aerodynamic wheel deflectors used by the Mission Efficiency, suggesting they could be used on a production model at a later date Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen CEO, said the concept is not for production but to 'demonstrate what distinguishes Volkswagen in the electric age'The Mission Efficiency has been unveiled less than a fortnight since the board of Volkswagen has agreed to cut a total of 100,000 jobs by 2030 as it struggles in its transition to EVs.A sweeping restructuring programme over the next three years aims to counter a slower-than-expected shift to electric cars as well as the impact of tariffs and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals.The German group, which includes Audi, Porsche, Skoda and the VW brand, said the overhaul would be 'the most extensive transformation programme' in its 89-year history.The planned cuts include the 50,000 jobs already agreed, taking the total reduction to 100,000 positions by the end of the decade.Volkswagen also outlined plans to halve its vehicle line-up by 2030, prioritising its 'most compelling vehicles' and increasing production volumes of each model to help lower costs.The move could trigger up to four factory closures in Germany and may result in 76-year-old brand Seat being axed entirely.'A fundamental adjustment of the global workforce capability is necessary' to preserve the company's competitiveness, Volkswagen said. CARS & MOTORING: ON TEST