POPE Francis, known for his progressive views and his active stance on climate change will soon receive an all-electric Popemobile. That is if California-based electric vehicle maker Fisker, makes good on its promise to get a Fisker Ocean-based papal transporter back to the Vatican by the end of 2022.
If this happens, not only will Pope Francis be recipient of not only an electric vehicle, but one that uses recycled plastics and even organic vegan materials in its manufacturing process, bringing about a truly zero-emissions vehicle. He may also be the first head-of-state to drive around in a fully electric car.
The Fisker version of the Popemobile will have carpets made from recycled plastic bottles from the ocean.
In a press release sent out last May 21 Fisker Inc. said that its co-founders, Henrik Fisker and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker, had a private audience with Pope Francis.
In the brief meeting they presented a vision for the design of the all-electric papal transport, which like all previous Popemobiles as a tall “trophy case” in the back, possibly made of bulletproof glass, if the previous papal transporters were to be the basis.
The large glass cupola will provide unimpeded views of the Pope and he will have unblocked visual access to the faithful. Since it is electric, the faithful will also be spared of harmful fossil fuel emissions, which is normally emitted by internal combustion engines running at a walking pace.
According to the news release, “this specially created Fisker Ocean will be the first all-electric papal transport — adding to a long line of iconic designs from the pen of Henrik Fisker.”
The Fisker Ocean is expected to start production on November 17, 2022 in California. There are now over 16,000 reservations for the ultra-modern, innovative EV, that “will offer incredible value and features that compare favorably to competitive EVs across the entire price range,” says the press release.
The Fisker Ocean starts at $37,499 in the U.S. (excluding applicable subsidies) and €32,000 in Germany (including VAT and applicable subsidies) but come with compelling features such as Ultra High Range (approximately 350 miles), all-wheel drive and many more yet to be announced.
The only other Pope who has an electric vehicle is Pope Benedict XIV who has an all-electric Kangoo. Pope Francis also chose a hydrogen powered Toyota Mirai for official papal duties requiring a vehicle around the Vatican.
