Pope Francis gets first all-electric Popemobile

The Vatican unveiled Pope Francis’ new ‘Popemobile’ on Wednesday, a Mercedes G-Class, which will be used to drive through St. Peter’s Square to greet pilgrims.

The four-wheel-drive marks the first all-electric Popemobile and will have zero carbon emissions, aligning with the Pontiff’s stance on climate protection, as the Pope has been vocal about addressing environmental issues.

CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group Ola Källenius said it is a great honour to provide the Pope with his next installment of the Popemobile, which he says is part of a hundred year tradition at Mercedes-Benz.

“The first car was handed over in 1930 to Pope Pius XI, but today for Pope Francis we have something very special. It is the very first Popemobil that is fully electric, based on the all electric G-Class that we launched this year,” he said.

Källenius said it took “hundreds of hours of passion and craftsmanship” to build the unique car.

The vehicle has an elevated and rotating heated chair for the Pope, as well as rear platforms for Swiss guards. The car comes in the traditional papal colour of white, and is decorated with two crests with the Pope’s symbol on both sides.

“The Electric G is of course a car that could go anywhere. In this particular, unique, one-of-a-kind Pope-mobil, I think that the Holy Father will travel a little bit lower speeds, but almost floating across the streets in this very quiet electric vehicle,” Källenius added.

It is unclear when the Popemobile will come into service, but Pope Francis is expected to use the electric Mercedes G-Class when he will drive through Saint Peter square during the 2025 Jubilee.