Eco Factor: Zero-emission electric vehicle will be powered by solar energy.
Pope Benedict XVI has made a point to preach sustainable energy, which he backed up with photovoltaic cells installed on the roof of a Vatican auditorium and solar cooling units at the Vatican cafeteria. Now His Holiness wants to take another step toward a greener footprint with a solar-powered Popemobile.
The Vatican says that the vehicle will be a tribute to the Pontiff’s message to promote sustainable energy. While the idea is definitely good, there are no automakers willing to accept the challenge. A German firm SolarWorld, which installed photovoltaic panels atop the Vatican auditorium, says that the company can build the desired vehicle but the major hurdle is getting the Vatican security to sign off on such an endeavor.
Normally when His Holiness is outside the Vatican, he usually rides in a modified Mercedes-Benz that is outfitted with bullet-proof windows, which has room for two passengers in addition to the Pope, who sits on an elevated chair to wave to the crowds. An electric car with similar credentials will weigh several thousand pounds, which will reduce the efficiency of the engine.
Via: AutoBlogGreen/Washington Post
