Electric car manufacturer Fisker Inc aims to make the first-ever all-electric vehicle for Pope Francis. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church has, since his election eight years ago, made a number of appeals for environment protection, most recently on Earth Day 2021. The Popemobile, as the Papal transport is known, will be based on the Fisker Ocean SUV.

In a private audience with Pope Francis, Fisker co-founders, Henrik Fisker and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker, presented a vision for the design of an all-electric papal transport. "I got inspired reading that Pope Francis is very considerate about the environment and the impact of climate change for future generations," says Henrik Fisker. "The interior of the Fisker Ocean papal transport will contain a variety of sustainable materials, including carpets made from recycled plastic bottles from the ocean."

Henrik Fisker with Pope Francis (Image: Fisker)

The Fisker Popemobile will have a large, modern, all-glass cupola, offering accessibility and visibility for Pope Francis to greet the faithful. The company plans to deliver this singular version of the Fisker Ocean to the Pope next year.

The Fisker Ocean is projected to start production on November 17, 2022. There are currently more than 16,000 reservation holders for the Ocean, including some from India. Fisker claims the Ocena is "the world’s most sustainable vehicle", with recycled, vegan and other natural products used throughout. 

An all-electric papal transport will provide the first exhaust-free and emissions-free experience for those gathered for blessings by His Holiness.

The Ocean SUV is to be produced by Magna Inc. In October 2020, Fisker inked a platform sharing and manufacturing pact with the Canadian firm. Using Fisker-Flexible Platform Adaptive Design (FF-PAD), Fisker’s design, engineering and software teams will integrate Magna EV architecture with the exterior design of the Ocean. The new FM29 lightweight aluminum-intensive platform is the basis not only for the Ocean – but may also be the basis for future vehicles.

Images: Fisker