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Inside Pope Francis’s first electric Popemobile: A stunning look at the future of sustainability

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Pope Francis receives the first electric Popemobile

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

Pope Francis stands beside the all-electric Popemobile, custom-built by Mercedes-Benz to align with his emphasis on sustainability.

A custom creation for a historic event

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

The electric Popemobile will be used during the 2025 Jubilee in Rome, an event expected to draw millions of attendees.

A unique adaptation of the G-Class

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

The electric Popemobile is based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, modified to operate at low speeds for public appearances.

Features tailored for the Pope’s needs

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

The height-adjustable central seat allows Pope Francis to address audiences from different angles, while a custom hardtop offers weather protection.

Built with craftsmanship and precision

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

Specialists from Mercedes-Benz’s Graz and Sindelfingen facilities handcrafted the bodywork and interior to Vatican specifications.

Continued tradition of service to the Vatican

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has provided vehicles to the Vatican for nearly a century, with the G-Class serving as the Popemobile platform since the 1980s.

Aligning with Laudato Si

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

The fully electric drivetrain of the Popemobile reflects Pope Francis’s call for sustainable development in his encyclical “Laudato Si.”

A symbol of innovation and tradition

Painted in pearl white, the electric Popemobile merges modern electric technology with the timeless design of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

A collaborative global effort

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

Teams from Graz, Sindelfingen, and Rome collaborated for over a year to create the electric Popemobile, showcasing global expertise.

Presentation at the Vatican

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and team members hand over the Popemobile to Pope Francis during a private ceremony at the Vatican.

Looking toward a sustainable future

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

The electric Popemobile represents Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to a net-carbon-neutral fleet and the Vatican’s focus on sustainability.