Skip advert
Advertisement

Hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai popemobile built for Pope Francis

Specially modified Toyota Mirai popemobile for his holiness, complete with an elevated rear seat and gilded insignias

Toyota and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan have teamed up to provide his holiness, Pope Francis, with a new set of wheels.

The Vatican’s latest popemobile is based on the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai, which the papal state says will complement the Pope’s concerns about climate change.

Like every popemobile before it, this Toyota Mirai features a few tweaks to suit the Pope’s needs. Most noticeably, there’s a redesigned rear end with an elevated seat and safety cage, which allows the Pope’s followers to see him clearly during his public appearances.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s also an LED lighting system, a pair of Vatican diplomat flags for the front wings, a couple of gilded Vatican insignias and a convenience step mounted to the rear door sill, to allow the Pope easy access to the rear of his vehicle.

The Toyota Mirai is powered by a 153bhp electric motor, which is fed by a hydrogen-electric generator. The company says the powertrain provides a maximum range of around 310 miles – and, as the powertrain generates electricity by combining hydrogen with the ambient air, the only emissions leaving its tailpipe are water.

What do you make of the Pope’s new Toyota Mirai? Let us know in the comments section below…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BYD Atto 3 review
BYD Atto 3 - front tracking

BYD Atto 3 review

New kid on the block BYD has hit the ground running with its all-electric family SUV, combining quirky design with a comfortable ride in the Atto 3
In-depth reviews
23 Jan 2025
What is MaaS? Mobility as a Service and the future of car use
Mobilize Duo - front static

What is MaaS? Mobility as a Service and the future of car use

We look at the pros and cons of Mobility as a Service, and the vehicles set to help change the face of car ownership
Features
29 Dec 2024
Tesla Model Y alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Tesla's top-selling SUV
Tesla Model Y alternatives - header image

Tesla Model Y alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Tesla's top-selling SUV

The Tesla Model Y is a superb family SUV with EV power, but what if you fancy something different? We’ve come up with the best new and used alternativ…
Features
18 Dec 2024
Best electric car charging stations 2024: UK's top charger networks rated by EV owners
Best electric car charging stations 2024 - header

Best electric car charging stations 2024: UK's top charger networks rated by EV owners

The bad, the good and the outstanding; you rank the major players in the expanding UK charging network
Features
13 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New Kia EV2 baby electric car due in late-2025 with a low, low price
Kia EV2 - spyshot front

New Kia EV2 baby electric car due in late-2025 with a low, low price

Kia’s EV electric car range will grow again with the arrival of the EV2
News
10 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month
Mazda CX-5

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, features a driver-focused, premium interior and is our Deal of the Day for 9 February
News
9 Feb 2025
BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?
BMW X3 and Lexus NX - front tracking

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?

BMW’s much-lauded new X3 is one of the best luxury compact SUVs on the market – but is it good enough to topple the cheaper hybrid-powered Lexus NX 35…
Car group tests
8 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts