The Vatican has introduced a new popemobile, which is an all-electric model from Mercedes-Benz that Pope Francis will use to greet pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, reports RTE.
This is the first all-electric, specially designed popemobile, although Francis has sometimes utilized electric cars during his international trips.
The new popemobile closely resembles the Mercedes model he has been using lately, albeit with a different powertrain.
It features a modified version of the Mercedes G-Class mid-size luxury SUV, equipped with an elevated, heated seat and a grab bar for added stability while standing, reports RTE.
True to tradition, the vehicle is white, symbolizing the papal color, and bears the registration SCV 1.
“Every detail is crafted to perfection,” Sten Ola Kallenius, CEO of the Mercedes-Benz Group, shared with Reuters.
According to him, it took “hundreds of hours of craftsmanship… to create this unique popemobile,” reports RTE.
The Vatican has not yet disclosed when the new popemobile will be put into service and has also withheld information regarding its security features.
Mercedes representatives also did not reveal the cost of the vehicle, reports RTE.
Today, Pope Francis was seen in St. Peter’s Square using his current popemobile, which has a similar look but is not electric.
Since his papacy began in March 2013, Francis has mostly avoided bulletproof vehicles, opting instead to be as close to the public as possible.
Throughout his time as pope, he has emphasized the importance of environmental matters, reports RTE.
