Supplying cars to the Vatican for 94 years, Mercedes-Benz has delivered an electric Popemobile based on the G-Class for the first time. Helping the Vatican go electric in terms of its ‘main’ fleet car, Mercedes-Benz has delivered the vehicle well in time for the 2025 Jubilee event, which takes place every 25 years and with millions of pilgrims visiting. 
Overcoming challenges like adapting the electric drivetrain to low speed travel given the public appearances by Pope Francis, the electric Popemobile is a result of a team that managed the project in Rome. The drivetrain parallelly was developed and adapted to the needs of the Popemobile by a team in Graz. The experts from Sindelfingen produced the bodywork, interior fittings and customised equipment using traditional craftsmanship. 
The electric drivetrain that is engineered to support the vehicle’s slow travel during public appearances is from the Mercedes-Benz G580. Its EQ technology (with a combined energy consumption of 30.4-27.7 kWh per 100 km and a combined CO₂ emissions of 0 g per km) has four near-wheel motors. 
Replacing the bench seat that would be ideally found in the G580, the team that realised the Popemobile replaced it with a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. This swivelling main seat should make it possible for Pope to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. 
Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers. The roof – removed at the B-pillar – meant the B-pillar itself was harmoniously transitioned into the side wall to create an unmistakable side profile. 
In case of rain or bad weather conditions, a separate hardtop offers protection for the occupants. The left rear door was removed and rebuilt by the specialists – in traditional coachbuilding style – from a single piece and seamlessly welded into the bodyshell. On the right-hand side, the hinges of the rear door were relocated to the opposite side.
Like the previous Popemobiles, this one is also painted in classic pearl white on the outside.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company and its partner Exelentia have delivered two TVS iQube electric scooters to the Governorate of Vatican City State. The initiative supports the Vatican’s transition towards zero-emission mobility for its daily operations.

The delivery, completed on 5 February, stems from a collaboration between the Vatican and Exelentia focused on innovation and sustainability. The partnership involves TVS Motor Italia and aims to provide transport solutions that meet the requirements of the Vatican environment.

The TVS iQube was selected for its performance and noise-free operation. It comes with up to 100 km of claimed range in eco mode. Equipped with the SmartXonnect system, the e-scooter offers a connectivity option via a TFT display and a mobile application. Built for urban and short-range travel with a focus on ease of use and functional technology.

Giovanni Notarbartolo di Furnari, General Manager of TVS Motor Italia, stated, “The deployment of TVS iQube electric scooters in a prestigious setting such as the Vatican validates our vision for urban electric mobility—anchored in reliability, intuitive usability, and world class quality.” 

Giovanni Zappia, Founder & Owner, Exelentia, added, “The partnership undertaken with the Governorate of the State of the Vatican City strengthens Exelentia’s commitment to contributing concretely to mature, reliable mobility fully suited to particularly sensitive urban and institutional contexts.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mumbai-based green mobility company Odysse Electric Vehicles has announced the appointment of Sudhir Goel as Co-founder, which it aims to enable it to transition as a professional organisation entering its next growth phase in the Indian electric vehicle (EV) sector.

Goel joins the company with almost three decades of experience in the automotive and engineering industries. His previous roles include leadership positions at Ford Motor Company in Japan, CEO of Jay Ace Technologies and President of Lithium Batteries at Greenfuel Energy Solutions.

In his new role, Goel will oversee two primary areas – streamlining the supply chain and manufacturing processes to address market demand. He will also be responsible for the company’s retail footprint across India.

Nemin Vora, the company’s Founder, will continue as CEO, leading brand vision and product development in partnership with Goel.

Nemin Vora, said, “Odysse Electric is no longer just new startup; we are a significant player in the national mobility conversation. The appointment of Sudhir Goel as Co-Founder is a testament to our evolution. His professional pedigree and track record will provide the structural backbone we need to drive long-term growth."

Sudhir Goel, stated "I am excited to join Odysse at this pivotal stage. The company has built a strong foundation with innovative products and a clear vision. I look forward to leveraging my experience to scale operations, strengthen the EV ecosystem, and drive Odysse towards becoming a significant player in the sustainable mobility revolution."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

A prototype of the upcoming Kia EV2 has demonstrated robust cold-weather performance in one of the world's most demanding real-world evaluations. During the record-breaking cold edition of the Norwegian Automotive Federation's El Prix Winter Test Drive, where temperatures plummeted to -31°C, the EV2 covered 310.6 kilometres before stopping. This event subjects electric vehicles to identical real-world driving and charging conditions on Norwegian roads, and this year's winter test was the coldest in its history.

The tested vehicle was a 'GT-line' variant equipped with a 61.0 kWh long-range battery and 19-inch wheels. Driven for over five hours in the mountainous Jotunheimen region with temperatures around -21°C, its achieved range represented a deviation of -24.81% from its target WLTP figure of 413 kilometres for this configuration. This unofficial result would place it ahead of all officially entered series-production models. While its prototype status excludes it from the NAF's formal report, it completed the route under the same stringent conditions as production vehicles.

The EV2 also showcased resilient charging capability in the extreme cold. Utilising its rapid DC fast-charging function, the prototype recharged from 10 percent to 80 percent state of charge in 36 minutes. This was only six minutes longer than its official target, underscoring the model's practical everyday usability. The car is based on Kia's 400V E-GMP architecture, supporting 11 kW AC, 22 kW AC and DC fast charging.

As Kia's second fully electric model to be manufactured at its European facility in Žilina, Slovakia, the EV2 is currently in production with a 42.2 kWh standard-range battery. The long-range battery version and the 'GT-line' variant are scheduled to follow from June 2026. Final, formal WLTP range figures, determined under standardised laboratory conditions, are anticipated in the third quarter of 2026.

This performance aligns with the proven capability of Kia's European-built EVs. In the same arduous winter test, the EV4 – the first electric model from the Žilina plant – with an 81.4 kWh battery and 19-inch wheels achieved 390 kilometres, ranking among the top overall performers and reinforcing the brand's consistent real-world electric vehicle performance in adverse conditions.

Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President – Product and Marketing, Kia Europe, said, “This result serves as proof that the EV2 will continue to deliver reliable range even in extremely low temperatures. Being the entry point to Kia’s EV lineup does not mean compromising; the EV2 offers customers throughout Europe an affordable yet reliable way to enter electric mobility.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Ecofy, a green-focused NBFC backed by Eversource Capital, has entered a strategic partnership with Ather Energy to provide financing for electric two-wheelers. Under the agreement, Ecofy plans to deploy INR 1 billion in capital to support the purchase and ownership of Ather vehicles.

The collaboration is intended to improve access to green financing and address barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption, such as upfront costs and uncertainty regarding asset value.

Ecofy will serve as a preferred financing partner, offering Ather customers a range of options beyond standard vehicle loans:

• Leasing Solutions: Providing alternatives to traditional ownership.
• Assured Buyback: Structures designed to offer certainty on future asset value.
• Battery-as-a-Service: Separating battery costs from the vehicle purchase to reduce initial expenditure.

The partnership combines Ather Energy's manufacturing and technology with Ecofy's retail-focused finance platform. The goal is to stimulate demand across both urban and emerging markets in India by simplifying the purchase journey for first-time EV buyers.

Rajashree Nambiar, Co-Founder, MD & CEO, Ecofy, said, “Clean transportation is critical to India’s green transition, and wider adoption depends on access to the right financing solutions. Our partnership with Ather Energy brings together strong product offerings and specialized green finance, helping customers adopt EVs with greater confidence, affordability, and flexibility.”

Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, “Financing is an important consideration in the two-wheeler purchase journey, particularly for customers exploring EVs for the first time. Over the years, we’ve worked to build a strong financing ecosystem to make Ather accessible across markets. This partnership with Ecofy further broadens the range of financing options available to customers looking to buy an Ather, making the purchase and ownership journey easier to navigate. It helps simplify the decision-making process and supports broader access to electric two-wheelers.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!