Biden favours electric ‘Beast’ limo

US president Joe Biden is reported to be keen on electrifying at least one of two limousines provided for his use.

A tweet by CNBC reporter Eamon Javers says Biden’s press secretary Jen Psaki was asked about an electrified “Beast” – the armoured vehicles used to transport the president.

The limos – called Cadillac One – are built on a commercial truck chassis and weigh around 9000kg, so it’s suggested technical challenges will need to be overcome in converting them or building new ones.

Psaki revealed that not only is Biden’s administration considering an electric Beast, it’s something that Biden has talked about and would like to have happen, Motortrend reports. “But whether, and when, it happens is a matter of debate.”

The past two Beasts have served for just under 10 years, and former president Donald Trump had put the latest Beast into use in 2018, Motortrend adds.

“With so many details about the presidential state car, as it’s officially known, a secret, it’s not clear how long it would take to commission a new one, or if the change would have to wait until the current Beast reaches its natural retirement age.”

Motortrend also ponders whether a hydrogen fuel cell might be an option.

The present limo does about 3km to one litre of diesel and reportedly cost about US$1.5 million to make.

The presidential state car is maintained by the United States Secret Service and ferried around by Air Force One.