The Popemobile is going green! It’s now powered by electricity, using the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 EV as its base. Mercedes tuned the electric powertrain for smooth, slow speeds, perfect for the Pope to wave to his fans. The design also got a makeover, with a special chair in the back that can swivel and adjust in height for Pope Francis.

The legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class is evolving for 2025, adding a fully electric model to its lineup: the G580 with EQ Technology (yes, that’s its official name!). This iconic SUV has been the Pope’s ride of choice for the past 45 years, so it’s no surprise that the Popemobile—the Holy See’s high-tech chariot—is going electric too. In a special ceremony today, Mercedes handed Pope Francis the keys to the first-ever electric Popemobile in the Vatican, marking a historic shift towards a greener, more future-proof ride for the leader of the Catholic Church.

Mercedes has been providing transport for the Pope for 94 years, and now they’ve created a special electric Popemobile. Developed in collaboration with the Vatican over a year, the electric G580 is built for local events. Its quad-motor powertrain is tuned for slow speeds, letting Pope Francis take his time waving to crowds.

The design has also been revamped for papal duties. The roof behind the front doors is removed, replaced by a height-adjustable, swiveling chair for the Pope, so he can greet people from any angle. Two smaller seats are added for other passengers, and a special hardtop roof can be attached to shield the Pope from rain. The rear door is also redesigned to open from the back, giving the vehicle a unique look.