Fourteen new electric vehicles for the sustainable development program
The Governorate’s increasing commitment to green energy
Fourteen electric vehicles, including 4 Melex passenger vehicles for the Gendarmerie and 10 Goupil utility vehicles for the working needs of the Vatican City State have joined the car park inventory. Newly supplied by the company Exelentia (Italian Mobility Factory), the additions facilitate the Governorate’s continuing implementation of its sustainable mobility development program launched in November 2023 with the title “Ecological Conversion 2030”. In addition, Exelentia will donate two electric vehicles appropriately modified for papal needs.
The delivery of the first 4 Melex 343 vehicles for the Gendarmerie - two of which will be available to the Fire Brigade - took place on Wednesday morning, April 16, in the Governorate square.
The Melex 343 is a small and comfortable passenger vehicle, completely electric, suitable for moving easily in historic centers and sensitive areas such as train stations, ports and airports, parks and sports centers. Thanks to its agility and robustness, the vehicle is a preferred choice by the Gendarmerie and other law enforcement agencies for its efficient ability to carry out patrol services, including in internal spaces and in areas with high pedestrian density. It is equipped to accommodate first aid and emergency support equipment in the event of disasters and fires.
In continuing the gradual replacement of its older vehicles with electric ones, the Governorate's commitment moves forward in transforming its car fleet to attain zero environmental impact by the year 2030.
Furthermore, the Vatican is continuing the implementation of the network of electric charging stations on its territory and in extraterritorial areas. In fact, on December 20, 2024, 20 “fast” charging points went into operation on 10 columns and 2 “ultra fast” charging points on an additional column close to the Paul VI Audience Hall.
On this subject, we recall the installation of the new photovoltaic glass roof on the Cortile delle Corazze at the entrance to the Vatican Museums, this too in accordance with the project to reduce CO2 emissions by using clean energy from renewable sources.