The Pope receives a free EV Ampera E

Earlier this year, the Pope was offered a free electric car. He was given the choice between a Nissan Leaf and a Tesla Model S but he decided to go with the more modest Leaf.

Now Electrek reports that the Pope is expanding his EV fleet with an Ampera E, the European version of the Chevy Bolt EV.

Pope Francis received the new electric car, a sign of a partnership between European car maker Opel and the Vatican, to help the microstate become the world’s first “carbon free” country. Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann gave it personally to the leader of the Catholic church at an event in Vatican City this week.

Neumann comments: “We are proud that we as Opel can contribute to the ambitious goals of the Vatican City. Our new Ampera-e will make electric mobility feasible for everyday use without any compromises.”

It’s fair to say that the Pope is one of the first Opel Ampera E owners in Europe since the automaker only recently started delivering the vehicle in European markets after GM started production for Opel.

After PSA’s acquisition of Opel from GM plans for the Ampera E remain unchanged and GM will build the Chevy Bolt EVs branded Opel for the company to sell in Europe. Yet, the supply has reportedly been limited despite strong demand for the vehicle, especially in Norway.