The Vatican will introduce 14 new electric vehicles into its fleet, including units for its Gendarmerie and fire department, as part of a broader transition toward fully electric mobility by 2030. The vehicles will be delivered by Italian EV supplier Exelentia, the Vatican said.
The order comprises four Melex 343 electric shuttles and ten Goupil commercial vehicles, though specific Goupil models were not disclosed. Both types resemble compact utility vehicles or golf carts, suited for short-range use within the Vaticanās compact geography. Two of the Melex vehicles will be assigned to the Gendarmerie, while the destinations of the remaining units were not detailed.
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Exelentia will also donate an additional two electric vehicles to the Vatican, the company confirmed. The Melex 343 is capable of transporting up to four passengers with a top speed of 43 kilometers per hour and a range of approximately 110 kilometers on a single charge.
The vehicle acquisition aligns with the Vaticanās ongoing electrification efforts, first announced in 2020, which aim to fully replace combustion-engine vehicles by the end of the decade. The Holy See also plans to expand its EV charging infrastructure both inside Vatican City and in adjacent areas.
See also: Popeās New Popemobile Becomes First Fully Electric Vehicle
The Vatican has previously shown a commitment to sustainable mobility. In 2015, Pope Francis began using a hybrid car, and in 2023, a new all-electric Popemobile based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was introduced.
Source: VaticannewsĀ