Pope Francis has accepted a 100 per cent electric car in a pilot project to help the Vatican become an "emission-free mobility" state.

The Vatican seeking to become one of the world’s first states to be 100 per cent powered by renewable energy.

The project is helping to align the Vatican with the goals laid out in Laudato Si', the Pope's 2015 environmental encyclical.

Jochen Wermuth, chief investment officer of Wermuth Asset Management, the study's investment adviser, said: “The fact that the Pope starts using a 100 per cent electric car is great news for the world.

“It sets an example for other heads of state and for anyone in the world to follow. Today it is no longer just morally right, it is also cheaper to own an electric car compared to a combustion engine car.”

A total of 10 electric cars have been presented to the Vatican for the study.