Pope Francis and cars: the impulse of the use of electric vehicles in the Vatican

In line with its commitment to the care of the environment, and in one of its last official activities, the Pope Francis was part of the incorporation of the new fleet of electric cars aimed at promoting a more ecological transport system within the Vatican.

Among the acquired vehicles, two were delivered especially to the Dadadapted for personal use.

This measure is part of the program “Ecological conversion 2030”launched by the Governorate of the Vatican City in November 2023, which aims to progressively transform the internal mobility of the Vatican into more sustainable alternatives.

Pope Francis and the cars: protagonist and promoter of the electrification of the Vatican fleet

As part of this initiative, the Italian company Exélentia Smart Mobility also delivered units for the Vatican Gendarmerie: Four Cars of the Mex brand and ten of the Goupil firm. These vehicles will be at the service of various operational functions of the small state.

The model Mex 343completely electric, is designed for the agile transfer of passengers in urban environments and limited access areas, such as historical centers, parks, transport terminals or sports facilities. Its maneuverability and compact design make it an ideal option for tasks of patrol in pedestrian or difficult access areas.

In addition, its ability to transport emergency equipment makes it useful in situations of medical assistance, fires or catastrophes. For its part, vehicles Goupil They are also prepared to face the logistics demands of the State, offering efficiency without polluting emissions.

Together with the acquisition of vehicles, the electric charge infrastructure is expanded within the Vatican and in extraterritorial territories. Since December 2024, 20 fast -charged points are already in operation at ten stations, in addition to two “ultra fast” load stations, one of them close to the Classroom Pablo VI.

Along the same lines, an innovative solar panel system with photovoltaic glass cover was also inaugurated in the “patio of the hearts”, located at the entrance to the Vatican museums, which reinforces the Vatican’s commitment to the use of clean energy.

These actions reflect the objective of completely renewing the vehicular fleet of the Vatican By 2030, gradually replacing all cars with electric models with zero carbon emissions.