Pope Benedict XVI goes green, getting M-Class based hybrid model

Pope Benedict XVI is going green, with a new vehicle in development at Mercedes-Benz powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Since the popemobile does a lot of low-speed cruising, the car was designed to run off the battery under a certain speed, and when it is time to speed up, the petrol engine will kick in. While the pope really wanted to go completely electric, the five-ton car needed more power than it can provide.

Mercedes will be basing the special ride on its M-class SUV, but not much else has been released, as Mercedes Benz cars public relations manager comments “due to confidentiality we cannot comment on any Papal vehicle like this.”

We do know that the vehicle is not expected to be completed until this years end, or later.

2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class:

– By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Telegraph