Silence in and around the church: Popemobile goes electric

Pope Francis has introduced a fully electric ‘Popemobile’, a pristine white, battery-powered, and unique G-Class created in close partnership with Mercedes-Benz. This exceptional vehicle is the first emission-free Popemobile and must reflect the Vatican’s dedication to sustainability and efforts in climate change.

The new Popemobile, based on the electric Mercedes-Benz G580 with EG Technology, is custom-designed for papal duties. It features a pearl-white exterior and bespoke modifications, including an elevated, rotatable seat at the rear for visibility during public appearances.

Equipped with an innovative transmission system, the vehicle can sustain low-speed travel, which is ideal for events like weekly blessings at St. Peter’s Square or international visits. For inclement weather, the Popemobile includes a detachable protective enclosure. Except for the new driveline, the Popemobile’s ingredients are well-known.

Electrification targets for Vatican City

This electric milestone follows a long tradition of German engineering in papal vehicles. Mercedes-Benz has provided transportation for Vatican dignitaries for nearly a century. The first delivery was in 1930 when Pope Pius XI received a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon.

The previous Pope, Benedict XVI, also embraced electrified vehicles, though the G-Class was the first to be designated as an official papal car. Mercedes Benz CEO Ola Källenius and the team from Graz that crafted the one-off were invited to a private audience by the Pope as part of the handover.

Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for environmental responsibility, as outlined in his 2015 encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, which calls for global action against climate change.

The adoption of an electric Popemobile must reinforce his message. As preparations for the 2025 Holy Year ramp up (a catholic event that occurs once in 25 years), with an expected 33 million pilgrims visiting Rome, the electric Popemobile will serve as a high-profile symbol of the Vatican’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

Adopting zero-emission mobility solutions is part of a larger initiative under the Vatican’s ‘Ecological Conversion 2030’ program, which aims to have a fully electric vehicle fleet by the decade’s end.

Volkswagen has already delivered electric ID.3 Pro Performance models to the Vatican, and as outlined in a signed agreement, it plans to supply nearly 40 e-models in total. These efforts complement other sustainability initiatives in the Vatican.

Beyond green mobility solutions

Solar power systems, pesticide-free gardening, and a reforestation program are also introduced to minimize environmental impact.

Since 2019, all electricity used in Vatican City has been sourced from renewable energy. Waste management has also improved dramatically, with 65% of urban waste now separated for recycling—a figure targeted to reach 75% this year.

Father Rafael García de la Serrana Villalobos, head of the Directorate for Infrastructure and Services, emphasized the Vatican’s commitment to climate neutrality. “We are not only reducing emissions but reimagining our operations to align with principles of a green economy, from energy efficiency to waste management,” he said.