Link: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/mission-efficiency-volkswagen-presents-the-worlds-most-efficient-near-production-electric-car-20691

With the new Mission Efficiency, Volkswagen is presenting the world's most efficient near-production electric car. The prototype has set three world records. They stand for exemplary aerodynamics and excellent ideal and real fuel consumption. The vehicle is a beacon of technology and at the same time demonstrates the performance of Volkswagen's production technology.

No plans for production

Maybe it detects when it's on an emissions test and engages eco mode.

I've never understood why aerodynamics aren't more of a priority with car design, especially with electric vehicles.

...its electric

And we are talking about its energy efficiency, are we not?

And its VW. Famous liars.

So you don't think it's electric?

No reason at all that it has to be so ugly on the inside

no, emissions test

I don't think it'll actually do 400mi on a 55kWh battery.

I'd expect real world performance of about 200 miles (320km) on a charge.

The solar roof is a gimmick that doesn't matter. Unless you care about the ability to leave it outside for a week for a single 50 mile trip.

I guess it's useful in a zombie apocalypse, but solar on your house goes a lot farther.

We'll probably never know for sure.

The solar roof is a gimmick that doesn't matter

Doesn't matter to you.

solar on your house goes a lot farther.

The problem is solar on your house doesn't go anywhere at all. It's fixed to your roof.

With a sufficient-sized array, a crazy efficient vehicle, sufficient exposure, and a conservative commute, you may never have to plug it in at all.

Depending on the season, region and weather, it can increase the real range by up to 30 kilometres per day.

With a sufficient-sized array,

Doesn't fit on a car. That's the point.

But...it does?

50 miles is about a third of the distance a car drives in a week in Europe. A lot of people will have a hard time charging at home. So having a third less trips to public chargers will be a huge advantage. That is especially true, when the solar adds little weight and cost to the car.

Hmm multinational automaker with thousands of engineers and many factories with the resources and connections to build, market and sell what ever anyone wants presents something that could benefit nearly everyone. No. Why? Reasons. Meanwhile beleaguered startup rolls up sleeves and puts it on the road.

The Aptera gets about 40 miles per day from solar alone, and has been independently verified.

That is enough to cover light daily commutes without ever plugging in.

It has already been done.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3uzuW-YvBE0&ra=m

They did cover more surface area than I expected. In my experience you can get around 3.5 miles per kWh. So at 4 kWh per day in car solar...

And one of the main goals of that car is to get way more than 3.5 miles per kWh, so what's your point?

Apteras goal is “radical efficiency” which is why the vehicle looks so strange. It is not just the panels that make it work. They are getting 1 mile per 100 Wh with this design.

Doesn't sound like you can charge the car from the solar array if it's just powering the electronics while in use? Would likely prevent phantom drain while not in use during daylight hours though.

Solar power and reduced interior. A photovoltaic system with a power output of 370 W is integrated into the glass roof and boot lid, and supplies power to the on-board electrical system’s consumers. Depending on the season, region and weather, it can increase the real range by up to 30 kilometres per day.

Edit: Also if that's the case, it might be more efficient while driving, but overall I think Aptera would have a greater efficiency if you don't drive it beyond its daily solar charging capacity every day? E.g use solar for a whole weeks commute and remain at 100%, so a week of 'free' driving vs the constant need to charge the VW.

I'd say in general because aerodynamic enhancements usually detract from design and people buying new cars in general want something that looks good.

can increase the real range by up to 30 kilometres per day.

Aptera has not quite double the solar capacity and more than double the range gained, so I think it's more efficient to drive. (If I'm reading your comment correctly)

Well the Aptera might also be more efficient to drive on it's own merits once it's for sale, but it was more a comment that the VW is throwing away all the solar input unless its being driven, while the Aptera can charge with it.

So if you wanted to compare the two, it isn't fair to exclude what the Aptera can gain, that the VW is throwing away.

Oh good, a feel good project that will be marketed but never sold.

It's a demonstration of the technology, like every concept car.

No i just don't believe any stats they may come out with

I must be weird then, because I think a sleek aerodynamic design is a lot more beautiful than a boxy design with the aerodynamics of a brick. Saving money on fuel/charging is pretty enticing, too. People don't know what they want until you give it to them.

I know. So it will never be available to the public.

Not really. It uses the base of the Polo. It's just optimized for efficiency.
Comparing it to the Aptera scam is stupid. Aptera is a motorcycle and vaporware since 2009, and one bankruptcy. Just another 20 million bro and we can start production.

once it’s for sale

Meanwhile beleaguered startup rolls up sleeves and puts it on the road.

All people this gullible?

1.Aptera is not for sale, hasn't been since it was first promised in 2009.

1. They went chapter 11 once already

2. They need more investment to even start production.

3. The $50,000 price is pure fiction.

4. It's not even a legal car, it's a motorcycle. And, there is a bill in Congress to ban these vehicles due to lack of safety.

The idea of a solar powered car is unbelievably fucking stupid, maybe if you live at the equator in July and park in a field and slowly rotate the car all day. Aptera grifters got independent validation* in a YouTube video, so the stans are all, "see PRUF"

Aptera stans are another example of the sad state of STEM education in America.

*in deep Southern US, exactly at summer solstice, parking in open areas free of shade.

Because consumers are idiots and buy trucks that look like barns.

Wow, people believe anything. Maybe little elves will generate another 20 miles of range.

Are you seriously referencing a YouTube video for truth?

A bit flat.

How many miles does it get just from its solar panels each day?

thanks. you put independently verified but the person still gave you guff.

which is why the vehicle looks so strange

Also because it's not a car and has no safety concerns, not even bumpers. Doors are paper thin because this is legally an electric Polaris Slingshot.

They are getting 1 mile per 100 Wh with this design.

I call bullshit. Real world, you will never see this outside June 21st near the equator if you can magically park without any shade.

The math of the solar area doesn't add up.