STUTTGART—Over the centuries, popes have ridden in everything from sedan chairs to horse-drawn carriages. Now, Pope Francis, one of the world’s leading advocates for sustainable development, will become the first to ride in an electric vehicle during his public appearances.

Mercedes-Benz AG presented the pontiff with a G-Class “Popemobile” during a ceremony in Vatican City. The hand-made EV was produced in Graz, Austria, and Sindelfingen, Germany.

The electric drivetrain of a G 580 sport utility vehicle was adapted to fully utilize the advantages of the four motors near each wheel for the special purpose of slow journeys at public appearances.

In the rear of the vehicle, the bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. The swiveling main seat makes it possible to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. 

"With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric [vehicle] when making public appearances,” says Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group. “This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust.

“With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization,” explains Ola Källenius. “Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual—but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral new car fleet in 2039."

Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing vehicles for the Vatican for almost 100 years. The first, a Nürburg 460 Pullman Sedan for Pope Pius XI in 1930, is on display with other vehicles at the Vatican Museum in Rome.