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https://thedriven.io/2024/12/05/vatican-gets-its-first-electric-popemobile-designed-for-slow-speeds-and-swivel-seats/>
"The Vatican has taken possession of its first all-electric Popemobile, making
it a candidate for the heaviest-armoured electric vehicle currently in
operation.
Mercedes-Benz said the “one-off” vehicle was “hand-crafted” by the car company
and built in close cooperation with the Vatican.
Its electric drive-train was adapted to allow for the slow speeds required when
Pope Francis makes public appearances.
The vehicle includes four electric motors near each wheel, and a
height-adjustable swivel seat.
Since an assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II [in] 1981 designs for the
Popemobile have included an enclosed space featuring windows made from
bulletproof glass or plastic with bullet-resistant plastic glazing and armoured
plating to protect its occupant.
Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG
handed over the vehicle after a private meeting with Pope Francis.
In a statement later released by the company, he said it was a “special honour”
to supply the zero emissions vehicle and thanked the Pope “for his trust”.
“With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility
and decarbonization,” Källenius said. “Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the
special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for
a net-carbon-neutral new car fleet in 2039.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
