Pope Francis Takes the Keys to the First All-Electric Mercedes-Benz Popemobile
The Popemobile may not be as famous as the Batmobile, but it’s there. The latest version of the vehicle carrying Pope Francis for his first public appearance is Fully electric, zero emissions. Representatives from Mercedes-Benz presented the keys to the pope at the Vatican on Wednesday, although the pope himself will ride in the electric car rather than drive it.
“With this papal car, we are also making a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz.
The vehicle, based on the new electric G-Class Mercedes-Benz, is a one-off vehicle built specifically to meet the needs of the Pope, who must drive slowly and be seen by his admirers. It was delivered in time for the 2025 anniversary, which occurs every 25 years. The Jubilee starts on December 26 and runs until January 6, 2026, and is expected to attract millions of people.
Representatives from Mercedes-Benz presented Pope Francis with the keys to a new all-electric papal car.
Mercedes-Benz said in a press release that the new papal car’s electric drivetrain is suitable for slow-speed travel. Its pews are replaced by a central, height-adjustable single seat that swivels so the pope can address the audience from different angles. The pope’s seat is heated and has armrests so the pope can stand and address the crowd. Two single seats have been added behind the main seat for passengers.
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The roof at the B-pillar of the car was removed and a separate hardtop provided protection from the elements. Like previous papal cars, the vehicle is painted in classic Pearl White.
according to Yahoo UKthe Vatican refuses to comment on the safety features of the new car, but the Pope’s car has special features Bulletproof glass and reinforced features Since the assassination of Pope John Paul II in 1981.
Mercedes has been building papal vehicles since 1930 when it built the Nürburg 460 Pullman sedan for Pope Pius XI.
Popular memes about vehicle nicknames Quoting the Wikipedia article on the Pope’s limousine. It reads: “In 2002, John Paul II asked the media to stop referring to the car as the ‘Pope Car,’ calling the term ‘undignified.'” The joke is that the Wikipedia article immediately ignored the request .
