Pope Francis received a new all-electric popemobile on Dec 4, designed and delivered by Mercedes-Benz.
The vehicle, based on the luxury automaker’s G-Class model, is the first fully electric popemobile created by the German company, which has supplied vehicles for the Vatican for nearly a century.
The handcrafted vehicle was built over the course of a year by a team working closely with the Vatican. For example, the G-Class electric drivetrain had to be modified to accommodate the low speeds required during public appearances. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius presented the pope with the keys to the pearl-white popemobile in a ceremony near St. Peter’s Basilica.
“This cooperation honors us deeply,” said Britta Seeger of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz, adding, “We are overjoyed to fulfill the Holy Father’s wish for an electric Popemobile.”
The popemobile features a centrally positioned, height-adjustable swivel seat for the pope, heated handrails and a retractable roof. The interior and exterior details are custom tailored, including a white paint finish and the traditional license plate SCV 1. Engineers also designed the platform to support the Swiss Guards accompanying the pontiff.
The electric popemobile is set to debut during events for the 2025 Jubilee, expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome.
Pope Francis’ new vehicle aligns with the Vatican’s commitment to sustainability and the pope’s focus on environmental responsibility, reflected in his 2015 encyclical, Laudato si’.
The Vatican plans to transition all its vehicles to zero-emission models by 2030.
Editorial credit: giulio napolitano / Shutterstock.com
