Volkswagen has joined forces with the Vatican City State to support its ambitious sustainability efforts by providing a new fleet of electric vehicles (EVs). As part of the Vatican’s “Ecological Conversion 2030” plan, the state aims to reduce its carbon footprint by transitioning its internal combustion-powered fleet to EVs.
The German automotive giant, through Volkswagen Financial Services, will supply the Vatican with nearly 40 EVs from its ID electric vehicle family. The partnership will commence early next year, with the delivery of two Volkswagen ID.3 hatchbacks already completed. Other Volkswagen Group brands will contribute vehicles throughout the agreement until the entire Vatican fleet becomes carbon neutral.
To facilitate this transition, the Vatican has vowed to establish a comprehensive charging network within the State and its surrounding areas for the benefit of its employees. Furthermore, it is committed to fulfilling its energy requirements exclusively through renewable sources.
Sitting on a mere 0.49 square kilometers in Rome, Italy, the Vatican City State is the world’s smallest independent nation and serves as the global headquarters of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, known for his passionate stance on environmental issues, has actively pursued sustainable initiatives within the Vatican and beyond.
Notably, the Pope has received low-emission vehicles as gifts in the past. On World Environment Day 2021, Nissan presented him with an all-electric Leaf hatchback to support the Vatican’s green initiatives. In 2020, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan gifted Pope Francis a specially modified hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai, allowing him to greet crowds from a vehicle that emitted only water.
Volkswagen’s commitment to supplying EVs extends beyond the Vatican, with the company delivering more than 330,000 electric vehicles to customers worldwide last year.
FAQ
1. How is Volkswagen supporting the Vatican City State’s sustainability efforts?
Volkswagen is supplying the Vatican with a fleet of electric vehicles to replace the existing internal combustion-powered fleet, helping the Vatican achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
2. What vehicles will be provided by Volkswagen?
Volkswagen will be supplying the Vatican with almost 40 electric vehicles from its ID electric vehicle family, including models such as the Volkswagen ID.3.
3. What is the Vatican’s “Ecological Conversion 2030” plan?
The Vatican’s “Ecological Conversion 2030” plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce the Vatican City’s carbon footprint across various sectors, with a particular focus on sustainable mobility.
4. How does the Vatican plan to ensure access to charging infrastructure?
As part of the plan, the Vatican has committed to establishing a charging network within the State and its surrounding areas to cater to the EVs and facilitate their use by its employees.
5. What other low-emission vehicles have been gifted to the Pope?
In addition to the electric vehicles provided by Volkswagen, the Pope has also received a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai and an all-electric Nissan Leaf as gifts for his commitment to environmental causes.