Mercedes-Benz Delivers First All-Electric Popemobile to Vatican
In a historic move, Mercedes-Benz has delivered the first all-electric Popemobile to the Vatican, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the German automaker and the Holy See. The vehicle, a modified version of the G-Class SUV, has been tailored to meet the unique needs of Pope Francis and his public engagements.
The new electric Popemobile boasts an innovative design featuring four electric motors, one at each wheel, ensuring precise low-speed control as it navigates the Vatican grounds. A key addition to the vehicle is a height-adjustable swiveling seat, allowing the Pope to address his audience more effectively during public appearances.
Mercedes-Benz’s collaboration with the Vatican on this electric vehicle project has been ongoing for approximately a year. This latest delivery continues a tradition that spans nearly a century, with the automaker providing vehicles to the Vatican for close to 100 years. A 2015 analysis revealed that Mercedes-Benz had produced about one-third of all Popemobiles, underscoring the company’s significant contribution to papal transportation.
The G-Class SUV’s adaptation for papal use showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to combining innovation with tradition. The vehicle’s electric powertrain not only aligns with the Vatican’s environmental concerns but also provides the smooth, quiet operation necessary for public events.
This is not the first attempt at electrifying the Popemobile. Previously, Fisker, a now-defunct EV startup, claimed to be working on an electric version. However, those plans never materialized as the company faced bankruptcy.
The delivery of this electric Popemobile represents a new chapter in the ongoing partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican. It demonstrates the automaker’s ability to adapt to changing environmental priorities while maintaining its commitment to serving the unique transportation needs of the papacy.
As the world moves towards more sustainable transportation solutions, this electric Popemobile stands as a symbol of the Vatican’s embrace of eco-friendly technology, facilitated by Mercedes-Benz’s engineering expertise and long-standing dedication to papal mobility.
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