The Vatican has signed an agreement with Volkswagen to replace its entire car fleet with electric vehicles by 2030 as part of its decarbonisation strategy.
It has already taken delivery of two Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Performance models, and a further 40 Volkswagen EVs will arrive at the beginning of 2024, including the ID.3, 4 and 5.
These will later be joined by other zero-emission vehicles from across the Volkswagen Group.
The move is part of the Vatican’s new programme called “Ecological Conversion 2030”, which aims to pursue sustainable, carbon-neutral projects and technologies in the city state in the centre of Rome.
Its vehicle replacement programme – in conjunction with Volkswagen Financial Services – aims to make the entire fleet CO2-neutral by 2030.
A statement from the Vatican said it is “strongly committed to the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions that make it possible to reduce, in concrete terms, the impact of human activities on the environment in order to protect the planet.”
Last year, Volkswagen handed over more than 330,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide.
Imelda Labbé, Member of the Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and After-Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said, “The electrification of fleets is becoming increasingly important across the globe.
“The fact that Vatican employees will now also be among our ID. drivers in the future is a great target and honour for our brand and underscores the attractiveness of our all-electric ID. Models.”
Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Financial Services said: “We are delighted to support the Vatican in this important project.
“This is something very special for us and shows that we are absolutely competitive with our mobility solutions.”
