Waiting to see what the new full electric popemobile will look like (to be built by Fisker), Pope Francis has already started the transition towards zero-emission and hyper-technological mobility. This is demonstrated by the choice to use two EnyaQ iVs, Skoda electric SUVs, for the official visit to Slovakia which sees him busy in these days.
The Bohemian brand has made available to the Pope and his entourage two specially modified black SUVs: rear windows with transparent, and not darkened glass, to allow the faithful to see it, supports for the Vatican flag and the official logo of the papal visit on the housings of the external mirrors, and an additional handle to the standard equipment to make getting in and out easier. The “smart” touch, however, is given by a special website that Skoda has created for the visit, and which allows the faithful to send greetings that Pope Francis can read directly on board.
Pope Francis will use the two Enyaq iVs until September 15, 2021, alongside two Kaaroqs. This is the second time the Pope has used Skoda vehicles: in 2018 the Bohemian brand had provided four Rapid Spacebacks for its two-day visit to Ireland as part of the World Meeting of Families in Dublin. To see what will become the new Popemobile, however, we will have to wait until 2022: Fisker is working on a new all-electric version of the Ocean SUV, equipped with a large and modern all-glass dome to allow Pope Francis to greet the faithful. The autonomy will be 480 km and the total power of 300 hp, thanks to the use of two electric motors, one for each axle.
