The Pope Is Going Electric, New Popemobile To Be Based On Fisker Ocean

Pope Francis’ new whip will be an all-electric Fisker Ocean converted for papal use. The pope famed for his humble cars will use the EV to send an environmental message.

The decision was reached on a recent visit to the Vatican where Fisker’s co-founders, Henrik Fisker and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker, had a private audience with the head of the Catholic Church. There, they showed off their vision for an all-electric popemobile.

“I got inspired reading that Pope Francis is very considerate about the environment and the impact of climate change for future generations,” said Henrik Fisker. “The interior of the Fisker Ocean papal transport will contain a variety of sustainable materials, including carpets made from recycled plastic bottles from the ocean.”

This will be the first battery-electric popemobile, although Pope Francis also has a hydrogen-powered Mirai in his fleet. The design presented by the Fiskers shows a large, modern, all-glass cupola so that those gathered to see the Pope get the best possible view. With no exhaust emissions, it will also be better for those in attendance.

Read Also: Hydrogen-Powered Toyota Mirai Has Just Joined The Popemobile Fleet

Pope Francis has long been an advocate for climate action. In 2015, he famously called climate change real and the result of human activity, calling on the faithful to take action to improve the situation.

“Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years,” wrote Pope Francis. “Reducing greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage, and responsibility.”

He is also no stranger to sending messages with his choice of vehicle. A fan of cheap cars like the Fiat 500L he used on a 2015 trip to America, he has chosen his vehicles based on their humility. With a starting price of $37,499 (€32,000 in Germany), the Ocean, while no budget car, fits into that history.

The papal version of the Fisker Ocean is expected to be delivered to the Vatican next year.