Volkswagen Group has signed an agreement with the city-state of Vatican according to which the corporation pledges to supply the Pope and his residence with electric vehicles until the whole state drives on batteries. The estimated completion date is sometime in 2030.
Volkswagen has already transferred the first two ID.3 Pro Performance EVs there. Full-scale shipments will begin next year and max out at 40 vehicles per year, mostly ID.4 and ID.5 units.
As VW Group and its sub-brands design and release new cars, those will also be sent to Vatican, the company says. The old ICE cars will be gradually decommissioned until none remain in the state.
Volkswagen Financial Services acts as the intermediary in the deal. Apparently, the cars are being transferred on long-term rent conditions, rather that outright sold.